Book Blurb:
"For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love, and a twisty murder mystery set within the perilous halls of a magical institute, as a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola hates her magic. It killed her sister, Olivia, and if she doesn’t learn why, it will kill her too. Her only hope lies within the perilous walls of Gorhail Institute of Magic, where Olivia spent her final days.
There, Viola clashes with Sylas, a poison mage whose magic stems from three magical snakes. Immortal, tormented, and reckless, Sylas is tethered to a life he never asked for and haunted by guilt for his father’s death. His hatred for death mages runs deep, and he’s determined to keep Viola at a distance. But when an attack forces him to heal her, their fates become intertwined by a magical bond that threatens to upend his loyalties—and his common sense.
As more students start turning up dead, Viola and Sylas are drawn into an uneasy alliance that pulls them deeper into Gorhail’s treacherous passageways, where secrets fester beneath the stone and the dead do not rest. And as enemy lines begin to blur and their undeniable attraction grows, Viola and Sylas uncover a chilling someone is hunting mages for their magical relics, and if they can’t uncover the killer in time, Viola will be next."
My Review:
I really enjoyed this New Adult Dark Academia! The story really came to life for me when our two narrating main characters meet. The chemistry between them sparked as they bickered and resisted each other, and turned tender once they got together.
The romance between Viola and Sylas was my favorite part, but there's something for everyone! Author Sonia Tagliareni gives readers a rich history of politics and magic classes, and there's a murder mystery afloat, as Viola, Sylas, and their friends try to solve a chain of murders before they become the next targets. Grief over lost loved ones is portrayed really well, and readers should note that before diving in.
'Deathbringer' ends in cliffhanger. I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series; wish it was available to dive into right now!
Releasing on May 12, 2026 - pre-order a copy here.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.
