Love at Second Sight coming April 29th, 2025 from Margaret K. McElderry Books; 368 pages
Content Warning: Foul language, acts of violence, gory descriptions, strained relationship with parents, domestic abuse
About the Author: “F.T. Lukens is a New York Times bestselling author of YA speculative fiction including the novels Otherworldly, Spell Bound (2024 ALA Rainbow Booklist), So This Is Ever After (2023 ALA Rainbow Booklist; 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards nominee), In Deeper Waters (2022 ALA Rainbow Booklist; Junior Library Guild Selection), and the forthcoming Love at Second Sight as well as other science-fiction and fantasy works. F.T. resides in North Carolina with their spouse, three kids, three dogs, and three cats” (Bio from author’s website).
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When fifteen-year-old Cam unexpectedly experiences a glimpse of the future, he sees a gruesome murder of a teen girl from the point of view of the killer. As Cam learns that he is a clairvoyant and has the ability to see into the future, he explores the world of the supernatural and befriends other supernatural beings. In hopes of recruiting him, several supernatural societies also start sending him gifts, since Cam’s power to tell the future would provide protection for any society he chose to join. However, the clock is ticking, and as Cam juggles his friendships, his longing for his parents’ acceptance, and his budding romance with his cute werewolf crush, he teams up with his friends in hopes of preventing the murder.
If you like supernatural creatures, journeys of self-discovery, adorable friend groups, found families, and werewolf romances, this is the book for you! F.T. Lukens has created a witty, action-packed, and emotional story with a slow-burn mystery that kept me reading until four a.m. The friend group mirrors diversity, with each character being a different supernatural being, highlighting the beauty of individuality and the power of supportive friendships. My favorite was Gemma, because she maintained an impactful confidence even while being bullied. The mystery was very interesting, with a “we’re running out of time” element that I really liked since it created high-stress situations. The story also alludes to possible suspects but reveals a shocking twist and a spectacular ending. That being said, the title and cover made me believe the book was a romance, so I was a little disappointed with the lack of scenes between Mateo and Cam. I would’ve liked to see Mateo’s character explored more and the two having deeper conversations. I didn’t mind much, though, as I was more captivated by the mystery, the supernatural world, Cam’s journey as a clairvoyant, and their loving friend group. I would even like this to be a series, which would give us more time with the loveable characters, more mysteries to solve, and more romance between Mateo and Cam. I completely recommend this to anyone who loves the young adult supernatural genre, especially if you’re looking for something with more diversity and representation. And to F.T. Lukens, I look forward to reading more of your work!
Love at Second Sight releases on April 29th, 2025.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Anasofia Alejandro, Pine Reads Review Writer