Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for an ARC of The Swamps.

I've loved all thee Seraphina Nova Glass novels I've read, so I'm really bummed to say that this novella did not work for me. I rarely say that a book needs to be longer, but in this case I think it did. It felt like being dropped right into the middle of the story without enough detail to give the main characters dimension. There were also several minor storylines that were just abandoned and not wrapped up in any way. Overall, it just felt like it needed a lot more work.

2.5 stars

I requested The Swamps after seeing it pitched for fans of None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell, and I can absolutely see why. The setup instantly hooked me — a group of paranormal YouTubers heading into the Louisiana bayou, two women already missing, and the creeping realisation that they’ve been drawn there for a reason.
This was my first book by Seraphina Nova Glass, and I was struck by how layered and atmospheric her storytelling is. The swamp setting isn’t just a backdrop — it becomes a character in itself, shaping the tension and dread in every chapter. The narrative had real depth, with enough twists to keep me second-guessing what was lurking in the shadows and what dangers were closer to home.
I really enjoyed her style and the way she balances suspense with character-driven drama. This won’t be my last by her — I’ll definitely be picking up more of her titles.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5 stars. I really felt that this story was underdeveloped in an almost juvenile way. It did feel like a spooky story you would tell around a campfire though.