What a gem this story was!

After a wizard’s war, the world is shrouded in a mysterious fog, and within them live monsters that steal children—the fog phantoms. Lanterns filled with fireflies help everyone find each other in the dark, but not many should wander off at night. The adults in the village keep this fog at bay using windmills. The thing is, this fog dissipates around the children but captures the grown-ups. And as we all know, at some point, everybody grows up.

Our heroine, Ogma, goes out at night after hearing a scream. She ends up rescuing a young boy, but now, she’s lost in the wilderness. And so begins this fantastical tale.

The writing is vivid and immersive—magical—and the story is filled with dark suspense, life-or-death situations, and monsters. The magic and world-building in this book were intricate and unique. At times, it felt like I was listening to an ancient folk story around a campfire. I enjoyed this book thoroughly.

Caveat: Some of the chapters were a bit too long; one in particular was close to 60 pages.

I wish to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fog & Fireflies is great at atmosphere and world building. This was a very interesting read and I really liked Ogma as a character. This did go a bit darker than I expected (there are warnings for the content in the beginning of the book) but it didn’t change my enjoyment. The one drawback for me was how fast some information was given towards the end, it’s a lot to process and a bit a shock considering how much time the beginning of the book takes to get things going. I’ll definitely continue the series when it is available!

Note: arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for honest review

Thank you netgalley and T. H. Lehnen for this ARC! Wow! I had a lot of fun reading this! The premise alone was so intriguing (monsters in the fog?!?)! I knew it was going to be a good book when it started off like this:

“𝙊𝙜𝙢𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙.”

This upper middle grade/YA was such a cool concept! It reminded me a bit of “The Neverending Story” mixed with “The Mist” and a dash of “Alice In Wonderland” with some “Studio Ghibli” vibes, it was so interesting to read! I very much liked Ogma (she’s so resilient) and the Caravaners (so magical 🥹) were detailed so well, they seemed real! There’s magic, creatures, mystical objects, sorrow, betrayal, adventure, and so much more. 💕

“𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙀𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙚, 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙮𝙨.”

This is the first book in what is supposed to be a trilogy. I will for sure be picking up the next book!
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ʏᴏᴜʟʟ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
•upper middle grade - YA fantasy
•fantasy creatures
•studio ghibli
•found family
•child society

Thank you Netgalley and Aspen & Thorn Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Fog & Fireflies" by T.H. Lehnen is an immersive dark fantasy story that immerses readers in a world filled with mystery, magic, and courage. This book offers a unique and enchanting reading experience through the world that Lehnen created. While this book is advertised as a YA book, it does read a bit as a younger book, more like an MG book with the age of the main character as well as the writing style. However, I think a reader of any age would enjoy this book, especially with the unique world that is established.

The story follows Ogma, a young girl living in a world shrouded in an unyielding fog inhabited by nightmarish creatures. Forced to guard her village's walls against the encroaching dangers, Ogma embarks on a perilous journey when her town is attacked, setting off a chain of events that will test her strength, resilience, and friendships.

One of the standout aspects of "Fog & Fireflies" is the rich and immersive worldbuilding crafted by Lehnen. From the floating settlements navigating the fog to the diverse cast of characters and the intricate history and lore of the wizard-war, the author's attention to detail brings the story to life in vivid detail. I absolutely loved the worldbuilding, and I found myself immediately immersed in the story. I did find some aspects of the magic system to be confusing at first with some info-dumping here or there; I think some of these aspects needed some more clarity or depth. However, there wasn’t anything major enough to detract from my enjoyment of the book.

The protagonist, Ogma, emerges as a compelling and relatable character, embodying themes of bravery and self-discovery. Her journey is both thrilling and heartwarming, as she navigates the challenges of her world with courage and determination. She felt realistic with her actions/thoughts, and I found myself continuously cheering her on throughout the book. I was definitely invested in her survival. The plot was also engaging throughout the book, especially with the different fantasy elements. This book is the first in the series, so the ending does open up for a sequel. There are some ideas that need more development, though Lehnen may have saved those to be explored in the next book.

Overall,"Fog & Fireflies" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and imaginative storytelling. I definitely can’t wait to read the next book; I absolutely need to know what happens next with Ogma.

DNF at 11 %
I liked the writing and the premise seemed quite interesting (hence the 3 stars).
I was just a little confused at the beginning of the book and I didn't connect with the characters.
Still, I would like to try and read the book again one day.

I have never been so glad to have found this as an ARC Copy. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

This book was enticing. It left me speechless. My jaw full on dropped at least 2-3 times in this book. I tried to guess how things would go and was impressed by how wrong I was.

T.H. Lehnen captures childlike boldness in such a fantastic and whimsical way that keeps you hooked and turning every page. The prose was well-paced and beautifully written. All of the characters were unique and fun in their own way. The idea of parentification in a way that shows how it is that we become more fearful as we grow older was such a new and unheard of for me, and I enjoyed every second of this book. This book felt like I was pulled right in and walking beside Ogma. The storytelling inside of storytelling was wonderfully done. The way that I understood everything that was being said and felt like I was really there in the moment, especially with the shadow puppets was enthralling.

I have so much to say and not the words to say it. My heart swelled with some of these moments between characters, and I definitely wanted to cry along with them. This was a fresh new kind of fantasy and I will continue to read anything T.H Lehnen publishes like this.

The day has finally arrived, my friends...PUBLICATION DAY!! This book caught my eye on NetGalley because that cover is *everything*, and I resolved to keep an eye on it. I kept coming back to its page on NetGalley, and more and more people kept liking the cover (it's past 300 likes as of today, April 11, 2024), so I decided I absolutely had to make room on my TBR list for it.

Why the heck did I wait so long?? This tale is fantastic! It ticks allll the boxes for me: A magical, mysterious world. Well-developed characters who embark on a perilous journey. Friendships. Foes. Danger. Beauty amidst sorrow. Errors in judgment. Chances for redemption.

You will cry. You will grieve. You will rail against the unfairness of it all. You will hope against hope that our heroes can prevail against the overarching darkness.

You will be enthralled.

I don't like to say too much about plots, usually, because I don't want to spoil anything, and this review is no exception. I recommend just going in blind. Fog & Fireflies is very much worth the hype, and I expect it to do extremely well. Author T.H. Lehnen's worldbuilding is so, so good. I really hope there will be another book set in this world!

5 well-deserved stars!!

I received both a physical and electronic ARC via Aspen & Thorn Press and NetGalley (thanks so much!). As always, the receipt of ARCs never influences my reviews in any way, and I am writing this voluntarily. Special thanks to Bryan at Aspen & Thorn Press for getting the physical copy out to me so quickly!

I’m sad to say that this didn’t work for me. With such a beautiful cover and interesting blurb, I thought I’d be immersed in a great fantasy adventure, but I wasn’t. The story was dreadfully boring and I had to DNF at 35%.

Personally, I think the author spent too much time world building when there really wasn’t any need to. It’s established quite early in the story that the children must protect their village from the fog because the fog is dangerous for adults. Then we’re introduce to countless villagers and guard children; on top of an injured character who doesn’t speak any English. There was just too much stuff going on and nothing going on at the same time. If you know what I mean.

I think this would have worked better as a series so all the ideas that the author had wouldn’t be jumbled up in one book. And with all that said, I’d still recommend. You may enjoy it more than me, especially if you love YA fantasy.

I was sceptical that this book could deliver on the vibes the description promised once I’d sunk my teeth into it, but I shouldn’t have doubted. Between the interesting characters and the intricacies of the world building which I don’t think can be fully understood in just one read through, I fell in love with this story and this world.
The writing is reminiscent of classic fairytales, and the subject matter would be right at home next to the likes of my favourites like Diana Wynne Jones and Neil Gaiman. The author carried me through the story like a current and I enjoyed every moment of the journey.

Ogma’s adventure in ‘Fog & Fireflies’ was a wonderful experience. The vivid writing and attention to detail provides a bird’s eye view into the setting and allows the book to read as a movie. Definitely worth a read!

The character POV changes were slightly confusing, but as you progress it further makes sense.

I most certainly recommend giving, ‘Fog & Fireflies’ by T.H. Lehnen a read!

This book was incredible. It was such a unique, haunting story from the beginning. Everything was so vivid and descriptive and I was fully immersed in the story from start to finish. I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy so I can reread it again and again. It was brilliant. I can’t wait for book 2!

*This cover is amazing and the synopsis had me intrigued and it did not disappoint.

Ogma is one of many children helping keep the adults safe from the fog by walking the wall of the village. They toll bells to alert when something is wrong. When creatures try to snatch some of the children from the wall Ogma decides to help, leaves her post and gets lost in the fog. She runs into a group of gnomes who shelter her. Then a caravan (they are called shepherds) finds her and she joins them.

What to expect:
*World building
*Magic
*Gnomes, wizards, puppets and puppeteers
*Adventure
*Found family


Happy to see this world will be expanded on. I think there is much more to be discovered in this world and the ending had closure but with an opening for more which I love.

*Thank you NetGalley, Aspen & Thorn Press, and T.H. Lehnen

T.H. Lehnen’s Fog & Fireflies is a delightfully magical tale that really drew me in right from the start. Loved how we don’t really know what is happening at the beginning and only meet a few characters and have to wonder what is going on, how things are revealed to us, learning what it means to be ‘old’ in this world. And then the delight of the shadow puppet show. This was just classic storytelling and as I said a truly magical tale. In some ways it reminded of fantasy movies from the 80s, such as The Dark Crystal. And if this were to be made into a movie or show that’s how I’d envision it being done. Not so much with live actors, but intricate puppetry or old school hand drawn animation. This might be a story geared toward a younger audience but I think it will truly appeal readers of all ages, especially those that are young at heart. I look forward to reading more by Lehnen. Thanks so much to Aspen & Thorn Press and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an ARC of Fog & Fireflies.

This had mentioned being along the same lines as a Miyazaki story, and I love those so I was excited for this. That being said, it didn’t quite live up to it.

The idea and some of the characters and creatures are really interesting. However, it started a bit slow and the pacing was just off a bit for me. Also, I understand wanting to keep some information to be revealed in later books, but I felt we weren’t given enough information. This tended to make the book just feel a bit convoluted at times.

The book also just kind of ends. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a cliffhanger, but there’s a lot left unanswered so I assume there is meant to be a sequel. Which I would read because I am interested in learning more about some of the characters.

This book is all about the setting vibes. It felt like I was exploring a primitive Wonderland. A Wonderland before it was Alice's Wonderland. The world is so visceral but shadowed in fog with a glimpse of what it used to be. With the fog being a major plot point in the central story but also gives the book horror elements. The more I explored the world the more questions I had. Lehnen did an excellent job answering my questions and then presenting me with new ones. There were times when the pacing was so slow and I found myself driving from the story, but it always pulled me back in immediately.

Aside from the setting and atmosphere, Ogma - the MC - was well-rounded and I truly did root for her. For once it felt like I was reading from a 14-year-old's perspective. A true MG book.

I was never sure what the plot was or where it was going though. It's not a plot-central book. There was some tension and some action with resolution and the end but it wasn't the main plot of the story or what pushed it forward. It's very much a book about Ogma surviving and traveling through the fog to get home and save her friends.

Reading Fog & Fireflies was like watching a movie! The way that T.H. Lehnen writes makes it so easy to visualize the story, making this book such a pleasure to read.

The story centers around a young girl named Ogma, who along with the other children of the town, are tasked with keeping everyone safe from a mysterious fog that is capable of kidnapping their people. For me, this was one of the more fascinating aspects of the book, that the youth were the ones empowered to keep their town safe. They are the fearless ones, as we all seem to become more scared as we get older.

I was invested in the world Lehnen built from the very first page, waiting impatiently to receive more and more answers about the hows and whys, while being given even more questions along the way. Meeting an interesting array of fantastical creatures and people, who have to navigate through some interesting and treacherous situations, kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire read.

My only criticism would be the length of some of the chapters which I’m hopeful will be addressed before final copies, as I read an advanced one.

Highly recommend this for anyone interested in beautiful prose and amazing world building, a wonderful fantasy read for ages 9+. Can’t wait for the sequels and to watch this on the big screen one day!!

Thanks to T.H. Lehnen, Aspen & Thorn Press and NetGalley for the ARC, opinions expressed are my own.

A unique fantasy world, leaving a lasting impression!

As highlighted in the blurb and other reviews, this novel offers a distinctive setting with an unconventional hierarchy. Here, children possess decision-making powers to protect the adults from a looming threat of a mysterious, magical fog that only negatively affects grown-ups, creating a different dynamic amongst the various characters. There’s an element of dark intrigue and oppressive anxiety that shapes the daily lives and habits of all, where the contrast between the innocence of youth and the burdens of adulthood is nicely portrayed.

The story follows Ogma, a brave 14-year-old girl on the brink of leadership, who demonstrates fierce love for her people and resilience in the face of adversity when their safety is threatened. I appreciated how Lehnen weaves together past and present, legend and lore, unveiling an ancient war among powerful wizards and its lingering negative repercussions.

Overall, the writing is engaging though at times, a bit meandering. However, while the protagonist is young, the story's fantastical elements seen in this richly imagined world will surely resonate with readers of all ages. With the promise of magic, wondrous beings, horrific monsters, awakening gods, and more books to come, this is a journey worth checking out!

Thank you to the author and Aspen & Thorn Press via NetGalley for an ebook in exchange for an honest review posted to GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6417285231

Fog & Fireflies is an ambitious book about a liminal world mired in deadly fog, where children have to sacrifice everything to protect adults, which is steeped in creative imagery and easy to love characters.

Unfortunately the latter half of the book seems to lose it's way in the fog a bit, and too much is kept to the chest for later books. A good read, but Ione I only liked when I could've loved. Perhaps next time.

*Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

Fog & Fireflies by T. H. Lehnen is a wonderful YA dark fantasy novel.
The vividness of the writing, so sharp and crisp and rich, conveys marvelous imagery with only a few words.
I was sucked in by the first page and I thought the flow of the book was perfect, and it made for an easy read.
The characters are well described and developed I really enjoyed this adventure with them.
I can’t wait to read book two.

Thank You NetGalley and Aspen & Thorn Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

A massive thank you to Aspen & Thorn Press for providing me with an arc of this wonderful book.

This was very close to 4 stars for me but the pacing felt slightly odd. The last chapter was so epic, I really wish the middle was condensed a little bit more and instead the ending was extended.

While I truly wasn't expecting the plot twist, due to the quick ending I didn't have enough time to simmer in my shock before the book ended, but I am really looking forward to further books in this universe as the world building was fantastic.