Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 43%. I feel like I have this a really good shot, but I just can’t get into it. It feels very predictable and the MC seems very immature. It honestly sounds more like middle grade than YA, and I think that’s what’s not really enjoyable to me.

I do think the magic system and the idea of sorting people by trade is interesting. It would be fun to see that with a more grown up MC.

Since it was an audiobook, I also enjoyed the narrator. Easy to listen to, not a lot of fluff voice acting.

Secrets Ever Green was a struggle for me and unfortunately I decided to DNF. The juvenile writing/characters just weren’t appealing to me. Perhaps for a younger audience it would have landed better, but it isn’t my cup of tea.

I wanted to love this, but it just wasn't for me. I could not connect with the main character and had to DNF the book.

This book just wasn’t it for me. First of all, if you’re not a green thumb…. This book is not for you. It was so hard to be interested in the story at all because I don’t like gardening, I am not a plant person and I don’t know much about plants. I think it was creative and it works as someone’s first fantasy book they’ve ever written but I just didn’t care for it and it didn’t wow me.

Unfortunately, this audiobook wasn't for me and the sole reason is the narrator. I found her too monotonous for me and often found myself very bored with it. I ended up DNF'g. I will give the physical or ebook a try instead.

Thank you for providing me with an ARC copy of Secrets Ever Green. This was a really action packed YA fantasy-mystery and I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy YA fantasy. If you enjoyed the luminaries series you would enjoy this. I liked the set up of the mysteries of the small town and the different trades that people could go into. I would definitely continue with this series and want to find out what happens next. The characters and descriptions are done really well and the audiobook that was also provided was excellent. I really liked that you get some but not all of the answers as the book goes on which sets up the remainder of the series really nicely.

I love a good YA fantasy, and this one throws in some mystery and thriller elements as well!! There's a forbidden castle, runes and clues, and found magic. I cannot wait for the second book, Castle Ever Dark!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This is a lovely coming of age story. It's felt so indicative of what it was like as a teen become a young adult. I am now in my mid twenty's and this book seems like an amazing story for the younger generation. Think we all feel alone in those transitions through life, and this truly felt like what it was like for me. And this type of character is nostalgic for me. I can't wait for the next one. The narrator was amazing, I was very engaged and like a was listening in on someone's thoughts.
Cant wait for the next one 😊

Wow!!! When I requested this book I did not know what to expect, as a little ways in I thought I would not get thru the book.....However, the story had me keep going back to listen. Soon I found myself wanting to listen to the book even more and then when it was finished I wanted more. The story starts a little slow but soon pulls you in. I can not wait to get my hands on the second book in the series.

I really enjoyed this book, I listened to the audio version and it was very gripping, I felt like I was there with the characters. This book had a lot of world building for what I'm sure is to come and I'm really excited to start the next one and see where it goes!

Full review on tiktok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeWvBSGW/


I very much enjoyed this book, up to a point. I have one major grievance with it that marrs my overall impression. To me it seems that this book ends just as it is beginning. It ends after act one. I was just staring to really get into the characters and the story when it all came to an end.

I understand that this is the first in a planned series, however, I feel it does not contain a full plot. Instead it ends with an unnecessary cliffhanger. I couldn't help but feel a bit cheated as it ends with nothing being resolved.

It was a shame because I was enjoying the developing story and world.

This was a very cozy little read with a dash of mystery. There weren't anything complex or highly complicated characters in book 1 but that sud not stop me from enjoying this cozy foresty academic small town book. I loved the set up, the vibes and the whole idea of studying different trades. Really enjoyed it and I'd definitely read book two. Also kudos to the Narrator, Kim Churchill's voice was so calming and relaxing.

This book was not as exciting as it sounded in its synopsis for me. The story starts strong with a young woman who lost her parents and fights for her old house with her future career path that everyone thinks is inherited from her father. This reminded me of 'A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking' and I was eager to read through which did not go well.

The issue I had with this book was too naive main character who repeats her life problems over and over throughout the story. It felt like the author made her hungry for attention from everyone else around her in different forms. I have problems with characters who are too self-centred. And the twist with finding things from her father's past was somewhat insane & felt unnecessary. The mystery related to the story was never connected with the main character's story. But it felt that there was some setting up for the next book which I didn't really care for.

The writing style was 'okay' for me, but I don't think I have the urge to continue the series. Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with this ARC copy, but I understand this book was not for me. 2.5 Stars.

This was an intriguing story of coming of age. Ivy was an orphaned girl who lived with family friends. She was working toward learning her father's trade as a botanist and arborist. The only problem was she was terrible at it.
As she tries to navigate her career choice, the final test she has to pass in order to move back into her family home, and misunderstandings with her best friend, York, she learns of secrets her father had been keeping.
I really enjoyed the mystery and sweetness of Ivy and York's relationship, the people who cared for her, and the town seemed so quaint. I loved the hidden secrets that seemed to be hiding around the edges that only Ivy could see.
This is just the right amount of fantasy to hook you and keep you wanting more. I'm looking for the next book in the series!

Wow. I couldn’t put this down! I began listening to this as something to fill the time while I walked around the neighborhood with my sleeping baby and it turned into a much longer walk and I just couldn’t stop! When I did put it down I found myself just thinking about what could be coming next. I need book 2.

The plot was easy to follow, the characters were all easy to love, and the story was quite entertaining! It's short and fast paced fantasy that makes it a great starter series for someone looking to try or get into the genre.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I finished this book a few days ago and I still find myself thinking about it, I want book 2 SO BAD.

I loved how easy the book/plot was to follow, our characters were all easy to love, and the story was really entertaining! It's a really short and fast paced fantasy that would 100% be a fantastic starter fantasy series.

overall it was a great book! Excited to read more of Sara Knightly's works.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this fantasy with mystery elements. I loved the nature themes and the magic that was found. Such a great book for anyone wanting to explore the fantasy genre without having to go too other worldly.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC audio version of “secrets Ever Green”.

In “Secrets Ever Green”, the author takes readers on an enchanting scavenger hunt that beautifully intertwines nostalgia and discovery. Ivy, a determined young woman, seeks to honor her late father's memory by unraveling the clues he left behind. The way the story unfolds is both charming and engaging, with delightful little twists that keep you eagerly flipping pages.

The writing is effortlessly easy to follow, making this an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a heartfelt adventure. Each clue Ivy uncovers adds layers to her father's character and their shared past, creating a compelling connection that resonates deeply. The pacing is just right, leaving you wanting to know what happens next without feeling rushed.

I found myself completely invested in Ivy’s quest, rooting for her every step of the way. This book is not just a story; it's a sweet exploration of love, loss, and finding one’s own path. I loved it and am already counting down the days until the sequel arrives. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a delightful escape!

I absolutely loved this! Plants, mysterious castles, a little bit of magic…what more do you want? The narrator really suited the main character and I was able to distinguish the other characters well. The plot flowed smoothly and the ending leaves you wanting to carry on without massive cliffhangers that I personally find very irritating. Overall highly recommend and thank you for letting me listen to this. I’ll be purchasing book 2 to find out what happens next!

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Story
This has all the cosy fairytale storybook feels in a really intriguing setting. I think we all knew roughly where the plot was going to go, but this story didnt need a grand twist. I do wish we had a bit more context of Ivy's life and more about the friendship with York. As others have said it did feel a bit more like telling us rather than showing us, but I do think that is appropriate for a younger audience.

Overall, a really good 3.5 for me. and I do want to discover where the story is going to go in the sequel.

Audiobook
I really like the narrator on this audiobook. The audio is clear and the voice actor really engages the audience with her expression and tone. My only comment on the audiobook itself, is that some of the pauses between chapters may be a little long - I've had to check that I haven't accidentally pressed pause a couple of times. However, I am not sure whether this may have been due to the app rather than the audiobook itself.