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Nightshade University #1
Court of Moonlight and Shadows
Four Fae courts. Two unlikely allies. One secret society.
I never imagined I’d end up at Nightshade University, a place where power and intrigue rule, and secrets lurk in every shadow. But here I am, navigating the treacherous halls, enemies watching my every move, waiting for a chance to strike.
And the one who draws me in the most is my brooding and mysterious adversary, Lysander Thorn, leader of a dark secret society. Despite our forbidden attraction, I know he harbors sinister intentions, and that our desires may lead us down a path of destruction.
With each passing day, I uncover more chilling secrets and come closer to the truth of Nightshade University’s mysterious past. But as I unearth the blood-soaked roots of deceit and danger, I realize that my own past is intertwined with the malevolent spirit trapped within its walls, and that I am the key to unleashing its powers.
In this dark and seductive world, the lines between friend and foe, and love and hate, are dangerously thin. And as the shadows deepen and the stakes rise, I must decide where my loyalties lie, before it’s too late.
*This is a dark, gothic fantasy romance with a secret society, forbidden romance, and enemies-to-lovers themes. It is part one of a rapid-release duet.
404 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2023
About the author
Poppy Ireland
6 books136 followersPoppy Ireland is the pseudonym for USA Today Bestselling Author duo, CoraLee June and Laura Lee. Poppy was born from a passion project, a spark of creative fun that turned into something magical for these two longtime friends. If they’re not wrangling kids or working on their solo projects, they’re likely using their freaky mind melding powers to bring you more spicy romantasy stories that'll keep you on the edge of your seat! !
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 6, 2023
Court of Moonlight and Shadows by Poppy Ireland made me stop breathing and throw my kindle way too many times. The dark Academy enemies to lovers forbidden Fae romance was delivering jaw dropping twists at every turn and left me in a mess of feels with that cruel cliffhanger! Lysander and Sarielle are giving me all the slow burn hate-lust-love tension and I am here for all the soul wrecking goodness. Combined with the intricate plot, shades of darkness and deviance, action & secrets..it was absolutely unputdownable.
This is book one of a duet and must be read in order. Sarielle's life is turned upside down when on the first day of Nightshade University, she is marked as Moon Court by the magical ritual rather than her parents' Dawn Court. She is lost and anxious and so many changes and new experiences in her mind are overwhelming her. Lysander Thorn of Dusk Court is the fae she should run away. They are known for manipulation and cunning ruthlessness. But she feels this electric connection to him. Lysander knows Sarielle is just a mission given by his tyrant father because she has some unknown power. But his obsession is strong for her. Will he save her? Or is she making a big mistake trusting him?
The fantasy part of this story is incredible. The way the authors create a whole new universe of different courts, the mystical University, the gothic vibes, the magical myths..it was amazing. You will be sucked into the danger and secrets of Nightshade University from first page and the story will consume you. Sarielle is a strong character. She has been thrown into pure chaos. Every evil power wants something from her and they are hunting her through her mind. She feels she is different but she doesn't understand how. She has raw untamed untapped power that goes out when she is in fierce situations and she doesn't know how to control them yet. She has a beautiful heart and she is on way to heartbreak. She is equally brave and vulnerable. So many secrets are being unraveled! Lysander is an enigmatic conundrum. One time you see how his own father tormented and abused him and his deep seated pain and it breaks your heart. And in the next moment, you see his devious cruel antihero side that doesn't care for anything beyond power and loyalty to the twisted order. And you will be torn between two sides. Sarielle's heart was divided too. But their chemistry and unexplainable emotional bond was too hard to resist. And she chose to believe there is a soul behind the monster.Oh he is definitely an alpha antihero who incites fear and lust and all kinds of intense feels in Sarielle. The enemies to lovers angst and spice were on point here. And that ending just made me crazy! I refuse to believe THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED and Poppy Ireland better give me a good explanation in the next book!
Ps prepare to start laughing at most inappropriate and tensed moments because this story has unexpected humor too specially Sarielle's friend Lirien..
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
This is book one of a duet and must be read in order. Sarielle's life is turned upside down when on the first day of Nightshade University, she is marked as Moon Court by the magical ritual rather than her parents' Dawn Court. She is lost and anxious and so many changes and new experiences in her mind are overwhelming her. Lysander Thorn of Dusk Court is the fae she should run away. They are known for manipulation and cunning ruthlessness. But she feels this electric connection to him. Lysander knows Sarielle is just a mission given by his tyrant father because she has some unknown power. But his obsession is strong for her. Will he save her? Or is she making a big mistake trusting him?
The fantasy part of this story is incredible. The way the authors create a whole new universe of different courts, the mystical University, the gothic vibes, the magical myths..it was amazing. You will be sucked into the danger and secrets of Nightshade University from first page and the story will consume you. Sarielle is a strong character. She has been thrown into pure chaos. Every evil power wants something from her and they are hunting her through her mind. She feels she is different but she doesn't understand how. She has raw untamed untapped power that goes out when she is in fierce situations and she doesn't know how to control them yet. She has a beautiful heart and she is on way to heartbreak. She is equally brave and vulnerable. So many secrets are being unraveled! Lysander is an enigmatic conundrum. One time you see how his own father tormented and abused him and his deep seated pain and it breaks your heart. And in the next moment, you see his devious cruel antihero side that doesn't care for anything beyond power and loyalty to the twisted order. And you will be torn between two sides. Sarielle's heart was divided too. But their chemistry and unexplainable emotional bond was too hard to resist. And she chose to believe there is a soul behind the monster.Oh he is definitely an alpha antihero who incites fear and lust and all kinds of intense feels in Sarielle. The enemies to lovers angst and spice were on point here. And that ending just made me crazy! I refuse to believe THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED and Poppy Ireland better give me a good explanation in the next book!
Ps prepare to start laughing at most inappropriate and tensed moments because this story has unexpected humor too specially Sarielle's friend Lirien..
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
October 5, 2023
You can find this review of Court of Moonlight and Shadows on my blog, Heart’s Content!
A big shoutout and thank you to the author and Chaotic Creatives for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
The first book I read of Poppy Ireland’s was from their Redwood University series, which I then fell in love with and read every single book in. So when Chaotic Creatives put up a sign up for a new Poppy Ireland book, I was all in even before I fully read that blurb.
The blurb for Court of Moonlight and Shadows in itself is very interesting (and I realize now how apt the name of the book is). The book begins with as much intrigue as the blurb promises and retains that general sense of mystery throughout the book. Despite jumping straight into the thick of the story I had no problems at all coming to terms with the rules and attributes of the new world. I loved the uniqueness of the world that Poppy Ireland created and the world building used to introduce the world was seamless. I think the blurb helped greatly classify and introduce the general concept of the world and the story just further cements it.
The writing in CoMaS is what I’ve come to expect from Poppy Ireland: easy to lose yourself into, interesting and engaging. The book alternates between the perspectives of the main characters and usually I don’t prefer that, but I’ve come to understand that Poppy Ireland often write male protagonists that require their own side of the story without which the story-telling may seem skewered heavily to one side. The balance it brings makes sense and despite the dual POVs, the story retains a lot of mystery because there isn’t much revealed in one perspective and there’s a lot questioned in another perspective.
The characters are fairly limited but their roles are ever evolving and unravelling with the story. The MMC Lysanderbrings with him charm, secrets, a deep sense of purpose and a slowly unravelling understanding of himself. The FMC, Sarielle brings with her all the fear, innocence and resilience of someone whose life has taken upon itself a path she isn’t ready for. The secondary and tertiary characters aren’t aplenty which I’m grateful for because it’s been a long while since I had a book that had a small group of characters. That being said, perhaps the next book might expand on that given the cliffhanger at which this book ends with. TT—TT
The pace was very swift; I was done with the book in two sittings and the book takes off running and stays that way throughout. My only struggle with the book was the characters felt much younger than their situation or age warrants, which lowered my rating a bit.
The book has many difficult elements, including ghosts, possessions and violence to name a few. So please check trigger warnings before reading. Four stars, happy reading!
A big shoutout and thank you to the author and Chaotic Creatives for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
The first book I read of Poppy Ireland’s was from their Redwood University series, which I then fell in love with and read every single book in. So when Chaotic Creatives put up a sign up for a new Poppy Ireland book, I was all in even before I fully read that blurb.
The blurb for Court of Moonlight and Shadows in itself is very interesting (and I realize now how apt the name of the book is). The book begins with as much intrigue as the blurb promises and retains that general sense of mystery throughout the book. Despite jumping straight into the thick of the story I had no problems at all coming to terms with the rules and attributes of the new world. I loved the uniqueness of the world that Poppy Ireland created and the world building used to introduce the world was seamless. I think the blurb helped greatly classify and introduce the general concept of the world and the story just further cements it.
The writing in CoMaS is what I’ve come to expect from Poppy Ireland: easy to lose yourself into, interesting and engaging. The book alternates between the perspectives of the main characters and usually I don’t prefer that, but I’ve come to understand that Poppy Ireland often write male protagonists that require their own side of the story without which the story-telling may seem skewered heavily to one side. The balance it brings makes sense and despite the dual POVs, the story retains a lot of mystery because there isn’t much revealed in one perspective and there’s a lot questioned in another perspective.
The characters are fairly limited but their roles are ever evolving and unravelling with the story. The MMC Lysanderbrings with him charm, secrets, a deep sense of purpose and a slowly unravelling understanding of himself. The FMC, Sarielle brings with her all the fear, innocence and resilience of someone whose life has taken upon itself a path she isn’t ready for. The secondary and tertiary characters aren’t aplenty which I’m grateful for because it’s been a long while since I had a book that had a small group of characters. That being said, perhaps the next book might expand on that given the cliffhanger at which this book ends with. TT—TT
The pace was very swift; I was done with the book in two sittings and the book takes off running and stays that way throughout. My only struggle with the book was the characters felt much younger than their situation or age warrants, which lowered my rating a bit.
The book has many difficult elements, including ghosts, possessions and violence to name a few. So please check trigger warnings before reading. Four stars, happy reading!
January 16, 2024
This is like a dark academia/magic university/secret society/cult situation. I do prefer a little more insight into the whole schooling situation in books where the characters are at a magic school, but I'm not super disappointed and there were some unique concepts that I really liked. The education just wasn't as big a feature as I generally hope for.
I was so sucked in that around 68% I looked to see when book two would come out only to see it doesn't come out until Sept(possibly sooner) and immediately stopped reading because I KNEW getting to this ending would send me into a book hangover spiral. I love cliffhangers, but gosh that was just straight-up rude. The audacity.
More than anything I'd like to thank the author(s) for Lirien. She was a delight to read and I hope she gets her man, as rightly deserved. I also really liked Ariya. I mean, I hated her at first but she really grew on me and is a very interesting and complex character.
Please don't make me wait till Sept :( Impatiently waiting for vengeance.
I was so sucked in that around 68% I looked to see when book two would come out only to see it doesn't come out until Sept(possibly sooner) and immediately stopped reading because I KNEW getting to this ending would send me into a book hangover spiral. I love cliffhangers, but gosh that was just straight-up rude. The audacity.
More than anything I'd like to thank the author(s) for Lirien. She was a delight to read and I hope she gets her man, as rightly deserved. I also really liked Ariya. I mean, I hated her at first but she really grew on me and is a very interesting and complex character.
Please don't make me wait till Sept :( Impatiently waiting for vengeance.
October 13, 2023
I received Court of Moonlight and Shadows in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Chaotic Creatives Influence.
Sarielle's life has been planned out for years she would follow in her parents footsteps but when she assigned the Moon Court everything changes. Now she's in a new court with all new friends and new abilities. Her unique mark has drawn some attention from a elite group and she can't deny her connection with Lysander even if he's betrothed to another. Will she make it through school or will the darkness that is looming over the school be to much.
I love Sarielle she's a sweetheart and such a great character I really connected with her right from the start. She's total kicks butt when it comes to protecting herself and those she cares about. I love Lirien her new friend who sees the future and adds just the right amount of humor to the story. Than we have Lysander her love interest they have this steamy chemistry even though he's betrothed to another. I don't want to like him but the more we see of him the more I do.
I really enjoyed Court of Moonlight and Shadows I ended up devouring it in one afternoon because I had to know what would happen next with our girl. I love the idea of the different courts each bringing something to offer even if they shouldn't be mixing. This is a fast paced action packed steamy romance that keeps the reader on their toes till the very end. I really enjoyed every moment of the book it's filled with my favorite tropes.
This is my first book by the author who is actually a duo of very talented authors that I haven't read yet. CoraLee June and Laura Lee both new to me and I'm hooked on their storytelling style I plan to check out their other books while I eagerly wait for the next one in this series. I can't wait to see what's going to happen with Sarielle and Lysander and what the future holds. Perfect for fans of Dark Academia novels with just the right amount of romance with the story. I truly enjoyed everything about it.
Sarielle's life has been planned out for years she would follow in her parents footsteps but when she assigned the Moon Court everything changes. Now she's in a new court with all new friends and new abilities. Her unique mark has drawn some attention from a elite group and she can't deny her connection with Lysander even if he's betrothed to another. Will she make it through school or will the darkness that is looming over the school be to much.
I love Sarielle she's a sweetheart and such a great character I really connected with her right from the start. She's total kicks butt when it comes to protecting herself and those she cares about. I love Lirien her new friend who sees the future and adds just the right amount of humor to the story. Than we have Lysander her love interest they have this steamy chemistry even though he's betrothed to another. I don't want to like him but the more we see of him the more I do.
I really enjoyed Court of Moonlight and Shadows I ended up devouring it in one afternoon because I had to know what would happen next with our girl. I love the idea of the different courts each bringing something to offer even if they shouldn't be mixing. This is a fast paced action packed steamy romance that keeps the reader on their toes till the very end. I really enjoyed every moment of the book it's filled with my favorite tropes.
This is my first book by the author who is actually a duo of very talented authors that I haven't read yet. CoraLee June and Laura Lee both new to me and I'm hooked on their storytelling style I plan to check out their other books while I eagerly wait for the next one in this series. I can't wait to see what's going to happen with Sarielle and Lysander and what the future holds. Perfect for fans of Dark Academia novels with just the right amount of romance with the story. I truly enjoyed everything about it.
October 5, 2023
Court of Moonlight and Shadows by Poppy Ireland ☆☆☆☆
“𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏, 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚.”
This book honestly pleasantly surprised me throughout. It was full of secrets, betrayal and twists and I enjoyed the hell out of it.
I loved Sarielle's character, growing up as a member of the Dawn Court, to going to Nightshade University to all of a sudden be thrust into the Moon Court instead. Her whole life was flipped upside down and through being haunted and possessed by a certain someone, she still remained badass throughout.
Lysandre Thorne was everything I love in a fantasy/pnr book. He is definitely morally grey and his betrayal broke my heart. Everytime he interacted with Sarielle I fell for him a little more. But after that ending, it seems he is his father's son after all, and he is going to have some grovelling to do in the second half of this duology.
I hated Ariya to begin with, and then she grew on me and then I hater her again, but the real star of the show was Sarielle's roommate Lirien, they had the whole Wednesday Adams and Enid Sinclair vibes going on, and she was honestly hilarious and a real breath of fresh air.
I really hope book 2 isn't too far away. Because I need answers pronto.
The perfect book for this time of year, it had all the creepy, gothic vibes I wanted and needed and can't wait to see where it goes.
“𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏, 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚.”
This book honestly pleasantly surprised me throughout. It was full of secrets, betrayal and twists and I enjoyed the hell out of it.
I loved Sarielle's character, growing up as a member of the Dawn Court, to going to Nightshade University to all of a sudden be thrust into the Moon Court instead. Her whole life was flipped upside down and through being haunted and possessed by a certain someone, she still remained badass throughout.
Lysandre Thorne was everything I love in a fantasy/pnr book. He is definitely morally grey and his betrayal broke my heart. Everytime he interacted with Sarielle I fell for him a little more. But after that ending, it seems he is his father's son after all, and he is going to have some grovelling to do in the second half of this duology.
I hated Ariya to begin with, and then she grew on me and then I hater her again, but the real star of the show was Sarielle's roommate Lirien, they had the whole Wednesday Adams and Enid Sinclair vibes going on, and she was honestly hilarious and a real breath of fresh air.
I really hope book 2 isn't too far away. Because I need answers pronto.
The perfect book for this time of year, it had all the creepy, gothic vibes I wanted and needed and can't wait to see where it goes.
October 11, 2023
Court of Moonlight and Shadows by Poppy Ireland
🐍🌙🐍🌙🐍
5/5
This is the first book in the Nightshade University series.
Sarielle Blackwood has just started at Nightshade University, where all four courts of Fae are taught. There is the Dawn Court, defenders of justice and honor. The Dusk fae, agents skilled in secrets and espionage. The Demon Fae, bringers of chaos and destruction. The moon court, mystics wielding celestial magic and divination. All freshmen must complete a ritual to find out which court they belong to. Once assigned, they start working on their assignments and specialties.
Sarielle is roomed with the quite unusual but absolutely hilarious Lirien. Lirien can see the future, and does not have a filter, but she’s a great friend. When strange things start to happen to Sarielle, Lirien is there through it all. Sarielle also gets caught up with the playboy of thr Dusk Court, Lysander Thorne. Sarielle is caught between her head, and her heart.
Includes
- dark academia
- Fae university
- Magic
- Secret society
- Diverse characters
- Dark magic
- Lies and deception
- Spicy
- Hilarious moments
- Cliffhanger
🐍🌙🐍🌙🐍
5/5
This is the first book in the Nightshade University series.
Sarielle Blackwood has just started at Nightshade University, where all four courts of Fae are taught. There is the Dawn Court, defenders of justice and honor. The Dusk fae, agents skilled in secrets and espionage. The Demon Fae, bringers of chaos and destruction. The moon court, mystics wielding celestial magic and divination. All freshmen must complete a ritual to find out which court they belong to. Once assigned, they start working on their assignments and specialties.
Sarielle is roomed with the quite unusual but absolutely hilarious Lirien. Lirien can see the future, and does not have a filter, but she’s a great friend. When strange things start to happen to Sarielle, Lirien is there through it all. Sarielle also gets caught up with the playboy of thr Dusk Court, Lysander Thorne. Sarielle is caught between her head, and her heart.
Includes
- dark academia
- Fae university
- Magic
- Secret society
- Diverse characters
- Dark magic
- Lies and deception
- Spicy
- Hilarious moments
- Cliffhanger
September 29, 2023
“Endure… Persevere… Resist the dark embrace…”
First I just have to say WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. Rude. I need the next book yesterday 😭
Now that I’ve said that… this book was an amazing journey. An intriguing world created about Fae with courts who specialize in certain aspects in life. Of course Sarielle gets thrown into a court she didn’t grow up in and knows nothing about which scrambles all her life plans. Her quirky new self proclaimed bestie, Lirien, is AMAZING and the perfect hint of humor and having someone on her side regardless of her choices. And then you have Lysander. Dark past, dark legacy, dusk court. He’s the perfect bad boy that you can’t help but get attached to. But who is he really…. I really enjoyed going on this journey with the characters and can’t wait to see how this ending unfolds. Hopefully it’s not toooo long of a wait until book 2.
First I just have to say WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. Rude. I need the next book yesterday 😭
Now that I’ve said that… this book was an amazing journey. An intriguing world created about Fae with courts who specialize in certain aspects in life. Of course Sarielle gets thrown into a court she didn’t grow up in and knows nothing about which scrambles all her life plans. Her quirky new self proclaimed bestie, Lirien, is AMAZING and the perfect hint of humor and having someone on her side regardless of her choices. And then you have Lysander. Dark past, dark legacy, dusk court. He’s the perfect bad boy that you can’t help but get attached to. But who is he really…. I really enjoyed going on this journey with the characters and can’t wait to see how this ending unfolds. Hopefully it’s not toooo long of a wait until book 2.
October 2, 2023
I am Shookath!!!
This book Sucked my heart right out my chest. There are revelations that shook me to my core. It has angst like no other and caused me so much emotional damage .... I liked it so don't worry.
Lirien had me howling with laughter.
The chemistry between lysander and Sarielle is perfect.
I really wish I could read it again for the first time.
The intricate way that this story has been weaved is phenomenal and one of the best that I've read in a long time. But that cliffhanger 😱 I need more...
This book Sucked my heart right out my chest. There are revelations that shook me to my core. It has angst like no other and caused me so much emotional damage .... I liked it so don't worry.
Lirien had me howling with laughter.
The chemistry between lysander and Sarielle is perfect.
I really wish I could read it again for the first time.
The intricate way that this story has been weaved is phenomenal and one of the best that I've read in a long time. But that cliffhanger 😱 I need more...
January 4, 2024
Not good…. But also could not stop reading. Harry Potter with smut and not in a good way
January 13, 2024
"I know what I’m doing.” I really didn’t, but I wasn’t about to admit that.
Sums it up pretty well, was this written by a teenager? It's like the idea of a story, without the story
First things first: worldbuilding, so...why is it in modern day? It's not that you can't do fae romance in modern day, but why are you not USING that? Like, sure there are a couple of references to modern day tecnologies, but only to highlight how they are NOT used, like the phones which are scoffed at by Caius in favor of the magic mirror, or the cars that get passed over for the magic portal. Then, we DON'T use modern day objects ans skills to solve problems, like, why are we training the spies in phisical combat? And why are we using knives instead of...guns? Was it modern time only so we could use slang words?
Outside of that, how does this world work? Like, ok we got lots of diplomats, spies, seers and...what do the demons do...exactly? Soldiers? Doesn't look like it but whatever. Ok, but who is keeping this society up? Who are the farmers, the builders, the restaurant owners, the heavy machinery workers, the police, firefighters and so on? I guess we know the teachers come from moon court, but probably every court has their own teachers. And who needs that many diplomats? Or seers for that matter? Is the author aware of what makes a good spy? Like, rule one: if they know you're a spy, you're basically useless. So what do we do in this world? We make EACH AND EVERY SPY KNOWN TO THE WHOLE WORLD, as well as being easily identifiable through a handly tatoo. How dumb can people be to just give away secrets to the poeple who THEY KNOW are spies? Are these people on drugs constantly?
Oh apparently there's Fae royalty...ok...???
The College setting is completely glossed over after the introduction, apparently it's very hard to study there, yet we have ONE lesson scene and it's kindergarden "what do you want to do when you get older?", has the author been to college? Also there's clealy WAAAY too much free time for them to be in an actually challenging college.
Lasty, the Order
The realization that I was the Order’s target—and what that might mean—was terrifying
I don't know what that means, since we've been shown nothing of what the Order actually DOES, yeah they dropped you in a cavern and then they whipped Lysander, but that's not what they generally do, right? WHAT, pray tell, DO they do normally? Who knows. But one thing i know is Caius has taken a page from the book of goofy villains by Voldemort and is an incredibly powerful grown ass man...trying to take over the local school and having an entire sect hellbent on doing it.
Plot is absolutely insane: we have four interactions repeated over and over in the entire book: 1) Sarielle and Lirien make sex jokes and talk about Rook. 2) Sarielle and Lysander "flirt" (ew). 3) Sarielle meets the Order members or the Shadow Queen. 4) Sarielle talks with her family.
None of these four are EVER weaved together, they stick strictly to themselves and are often juxstapposed one right after the other, creating a narrative whiplash for how quickly the author switches from one situation to the other, since Sarielle is a VERY different character with each of them, as we will talk about down the line, and the author cannot write her four reactions to what's happening in a different interaction than the one intended, so we go from funny to aroused to standoffish to scared in a matter of lines since we have to write in the next scene with a different interaction. Just take a look at basically any flirt shene or the one where she gets her true heritage from the Shadow Queen: here's this info bomb about your real mother, you should talk to your mom about it, oh luckily Parent's Week, who we've NEVER even mentioned, is coming in a couple of weeks, we need to wait a bit while keeping Lysander at bay. End chapter. New chapter: ah, Parent's Week. What the hell? Did Lysander just ignore her for the meantime? Have they been happily fucking this whole time? What is this random ass timeskip in a CRUCIAL time for confrontation? The answer is the author doesn't know how to manage her characters, so the plot bends around them.
It is ALSO a plot made up of a collection of "here's Lysander" in every sauce, the poor man has to defibrillate the story back to life by constantly showing up and doing something, otherwise there's no reason for anything to happen, Lirien is just there for funsies and the family barely matters; studying? Here's Lysander. Walking alone? Here's Lysander. Having fun with your friend? Here's Lysander. Talking to your family? Here's Lysander.
I am fairily convinced the scene with Evangeline (the dorm boss) was there because the author wrote the story and forgot to have Sarielle know some of it, so some 70% of the way through, out of ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE, this random character that was introduced on the first day and never even mentioned again, just strolls in and info dumps the protagonist on EVERYTHING that she needs to know for the rest of the plot to happen.
Of course the protagonist is merely "someone special" that gets thrown around by every other character in her own story, since she barely has any agency and what little she wants to have she's willing to surrender it to anyone who is mildly confident.
“Why does everyone think I’m incapable of taking care of myself?”
Maybe because you keep getting pushed and pulled around by everybody?
As far as characters go, Sarielle is the classic super bland protagonist, she also has pink hair because she needs to be not like the other girls who are not like other girls (those have a tendency to get red hair). She is also a doormat for ANYONE to walk on (Lirien and Lysander just brute force their way into her heart and she just accepts it), except her family, the poeple who actually like her, she's also very dumb:
They’d been trying to change me my entire life.
Huh? You were a newborn, you had no personality to "change", and if you mean your nature, does that mean you value your blood more than your personality? Well i guess you just said she's "not really" your mother, so I shouldn't be surprised, but goddam girl.
The implication was clear. The court that raised and nurtured me would turn against me if my birthright became too much of a threat to their precious balance.
Yeah, how dare people in power try to hold society together from the possibilty of a rouge...goodness(?) destroing their world
I spent the first eighteen years of my life surrounded by law and order. But that didn’t stop the darkness from invading my thoughts. It didn’t stop me from feeling like I didn’t belong.
Yeah, no that's bullshit, she only barely mentions "something" that wants to break the rules, yet she doesnt break any rule on her own, hell she barely breaks any at all, i dont know if the Order is legal or not, the Demon Court party seemed legal, the only thing that's frowned upon is the Inter court dating, but that's kind of fine, it's mostly Sarielle's strict upbringing leaving her with a bias, she never gets in trouble for it nor they ever have to hide.
“You’re lying.”
“You have no way of proving that.” I smirked
Honey, you do realize this isn't a court, right? Lysander doesn't NEED to prove it, you had to convince him you weren't lieing, and now you just admitted to it.
I was suffocating, choked by court politics
Darling, your not-boyfriend was kissed by a girl, what politics are you talking about? You think you having EXTREME and unnatural reactions to anything Lysander does is politics?
On that note, Sarielle is not a dynamic character, some might cite her final dream sequence with the Shadow Queen as evidence of her growing up and changing, but look no further than her first encounter with Lysander and how she starts talking about how bad he is for being Dusk Court. That's the exact same. She was always like this, she just forgot. Anyway, Sarielle has four reactions to the four aforementioned interactions: she blushes to Lirien's jokes, she's horny as soon as Lysander looks at her, she's scared ans helpless whenever someone from the Order or the Shadow Queen show up (you may call that the "real world") and she's straight up a bitch to her family understandably trying to protect her, no other interaction is possible, she's never scared OF Lysander, she's never horny with that other guy who's apparently even more a chad than Lysander (since looks is 90% of the reasons she likes him), she's never fun with her family and of course she never tries being a bitch with anyone outside of people who she knows will not respond in any meaningful manner. These are four very separate emotions that switch the instant the characters she's interacting with change. Lysander shows up after the fight with her parents: Does the attitude spill into her relationship with him? Nop, she's horny. She retires after a scary night with the Order? Here's Lirien to make her laugh, doesn't matter that she should be horrified of what she's just discovered.
Lysander: eh, classic brooding possessive bad boy with dark vibes, is basically a prince ("the heir to the throne of the Order") and instaloves the protagonist for absolutely no reason (i'm fairly certain there's some Mating Bond thing going on based on how their powers resonate). Looks like he has a hard choice, but as soon as anything happens he easily makes it. The twist at the end is clearly some mind control stuff. Or they were acting and whatnot (and if not, there was no reason to do any of what they did at the ball and in the forest so it's still bad writing). He's complete dogshit at being a spy, he's way too well known, he tells his girls that they cant be together forever, he doesn't even TRY to mask his infatuation with Sarielle (just look at the scenes with his dad right after they fuck, or with Silas) and is completely bewildered by the fact that his father found out.
Lirien i honestly would be fine with her if she turned out to be a bad guy. After all, there's no veryfiying any of her prophecies so she could be bullshitting all the way and she would be a good character if that turned out to be the case. Since her prophecies seem to be very convenient in that they really dont help anyone but herself. For what it is now, she's the helpful friend and little more.
Caius is dumb as a brick, why would you initiate the girl you want to sacrifice? Why let your presence be known? Just have Xavier analize her powers, then kidnap her in her sleep or at a random time she's alone and sacrifice her to the tree, WHY are you letting her see your team? You don't need any of that.
Ariya is mostly fine, she has very little to do in the plot, her mission at the Demon court party is weird as hell, like she's supposed to gain information, but then she kills the guy? Like...huh? Also she says this to Lysander:
“During some of the toughest times in my life, you’ve been there for me. You were the only one who ever gave any shits about me.
I mean, fine, but we're not shown any of this, Lysander doesn't really give a shit about her in his POVs so it's just there to give this character something resembling a reason to switch sides. That said she's one of the characters i actually enjoy and who doesn't look like an idiot trying to be a spy
Silas is probably my favorite character just for his speech to Lysander about fighting hard to get respect and recognition, telling Lysander to wake up and own his position. He's also dogshit at being a spy, getting his foot crushed by a thin girl who probably is half his weight
The Shadow Queen is stupid, apparently she can freely speak and CHOSES not to explain ANYTHING, She hilariously says "there's no time" after wasting 80% of the conversation repeating "blood of my blood" over and over.
The over explaining dialogue is gross
“But the pressure, Rook… if I fail, if I don’t meet Mom and Dad’s expectations…”
"But trying to control every step I take? That’s not going to help. In fact, it’s pushing me away.”
I nodded, appreciating his effort to understand
Ye, i think we got it.
Themes? Hahahahaha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
Pinterest said this gave dark academia vibes and I always eat that shit up so this did not disappoint. Although, I still feel like it's more of a fantasy book and the dark academia vibes were lacking but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was quite fast paced and piqued my interest from the very first chapter. The whole setting and world building was really easy to get into. However, the romance aspect and the dialogues between the mcs sometimes felt a bit too off putting and out of character. I would've liked it more if the side characters made more of an appearance and if Sarielle was a bit stronger as a character. The plot twist in the end seems promising and I'm hoping she'll do a major comeback with a quest for revenge for being betrayed in the next book.
This was quite fast paced and piqued my interest from the very first chapter. The whole setting and world building was really easy to get into. However, the romance aspect and the dialogues between the mcs sometimes felt a bit too off putting and out of character. I would've liked it more if the side characters made more of an appearance and if Sarielle was a bit stronger as a character. The plot twist in the end seems promising and I'm hoping she'll do a major comeback with a quest for revenge for being betrayed in the next book.
October 5, 2023
This author duo really knows how to do paranormal romance well! Sarielle is going through a ceremony to determine her fae faction. Hers go peculiarly sideways, and she unexpectedly becomes a moon fae. She's also caught the eye of forbidden and Devious Lysander, whose faction is the most secretive and duplicitous of the four. Lysander is on a mission from his cruel father to learn about Sarielle and her strange markings along with unknown powers. He requests she become an initiate in their secret society, which Lysander sneakily tricks her into. Together, these two are fighting their attraction while also uncovering Sarielle's complicated history. As danger continues to escalate, Sarielle must decide whose side Lysander is truly on and what's genuine or lies.
Sarielle is very resistant to her moon faction, but I loved seeing her slowly turn towards acceptance of her fate instead of fighting it. She's sassy but not impulsive, and I felt immensely for her just trying to understand all the crazy things she's encountered. Lysander seems to be obsessed with Sari yet is still trying to balance his evil father. He's walking a delicate line where no one really knows his true alliance. This book has some memorable and unique side characters just like their last series. There's some comic relief amidst the heat and danger. I loved there was a sense of darkness to this paranormal book and felt like Sari truly is struggling with this weight. I'm so excited to learn more about this world, and though it does end in a cliffhanger, I can't wait for the next book! These authors create the most interesting worlds, and I love each of them!
Sarielle is very resistant to her moon faction, but I loved seeing her slowly turn towards acceptance of her fate instead of fighting it. She's sassy but not impulsive, and I felt immensely for her just trying to understand all the crazy things she's encountered. Lysander seems to be obsessed with Sari yet is still trying to balance his evil father. He's walking a delicate line where no one really knows his true alliance. This book has some memorable and unique side characters just like their last series. There's some comic relief amidst the heat and danger. I loved there was a sense of darkness to this paranormal book and felt like Sari truly is struggling with this weight. I'm so excited to learn more about this world, and though it does end in a cliffhanger, I can't wait for the next book! These authors create the most interesting worlds, and I love each of them!
October 27, 2023
5% in and I knew no matter what, i was going to love this book and the reason...........Lirien.............she's crazy and absolutely hilarious!!!
"Just keep his wand away from her portal!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Poppy Ireland are fast becoming one of my favourite writing duo's, once again they have produced something completely unputdownable, I was engrossed in this world from the beginning, the characters, the humour and the storyline all add to a really fantastic read, I cant wait to see how this story unfolds..............these damn girls and their cliffhangers though, evil just evil but ohhh how I love it!! 🤣
"Welcome to chaos"
"Just keep his wand away from her portal!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Poppy Ireland are fast becoming one of my favourite writing duo's, once again they have produced something completely unputdownable, I was engrossed in this world from the beginning, the characters, the humour and the storyline all add to a really fantastic read, I cant wait to see how this story unfolds..............these damn girls and their cliffhangers though, evil just evil but ohhh how I love it!! 🤣
"Welcome to chaos"
October 31, 2023
I received an Advanced Readers Copy for an honest review...
This book was sooo addictive. Not only do you have fae, magic, secret societies, laugh out loud moments, hot and spicy encounters but mystery too. Imagine like a HP / Divergent / Fae mash up.
Let me introduce you to Nightshade University where you will divided into different courts: Dawn, Dusk, Demon and Moon Court. Sarielle has just started at Nightshade University but she ends up in a Court that she did not anticipate being in and changes her whole trajectory. She meets Lirien who is her roommate and going to be the best friend / roommate she could hope for. We also meet Lysander from the Dusk Court, dark, broody with the weight of family expectation sitting heavy on his oh so broad shoulders, our bad boy that we cant resist...nor can Sarielle.
Some of these characters were just gold. Lirien was my absolute favourite. She reminded me of an older and highly inappropriate Luna Lovegood. The characters are well thought out and the plot will leave you guessing as just when you think you know something or someone, someone comes and pulls the rug right out from under you.
The cliffhanger is a doozy.......please send us book 2 asap.... we are in a major book hangover here!
This book was sooo addictive. Not only do you have fae, magic, secret societies, laugh out loud moments, hot and spicy encounters but mystery too. Imagine like a HP / Divergent / Fae mash up.
Let me introduce you to Nightshade University where you will divided into different courts: Dawn, Dusk, Demon and Moon Court. Sarielle has just started at Nightshade University but she ends up in a Court that she did not anticipate being in and changes her whole trajectory. She meets Lirien who is her roommate and going to be the best friend / roommate she could hope for. We also meet Lysander from the Dusk Court, dark, broody with the weight of family expectation sitting heavy on his oh so broad shoulders, our bad boy that we cant resist...nor can Sarielle.
Some of these characters were just gold. Lirien was my absolute favourite. She reminded me of an older and highly inappropriate Luna Lovegood. The characters are well thought out and the plot will leave you guessing as just when you think you know something or someone, someone comes and pulls the rug right out from under you.
The cliffhanger is a doozy.......please send us book 2 asap.... we are in a major book hangover here!
October 4, 2023
Unknowns to lovers to enemies? Or not?
Lysander and Sarielle are at odds. From different courts and irresistibly drawn to each other. Sarielle attends Nightshade University and her world flips upside down. Lysander can’t afford to have feelings but he’s not sure he can resist.
As secrets are uncovered and information revealed the more intriguing the story gets. I loved the side character Lirien. I would definitely love to get her POV. She is so quirky and wonderful. She balances Sarielle.
I am glad this is a duology. Because so much has been uncovered and revealed. With just enough to be finished off in the next book. But the cliffhanger chapter was brutal. And I can’t wait till I can get my hands on the next one.
I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Lysander and Sarielle are at odds. From different courts and irresistibly drawn to each other. Sarielle attends Nightshade University and her world flips upside down. Lysander can’t afford to have feelings but he’s not sure he can resist.
As secrets are uncovered and information revealed the more intriguing the story gets. I loved the side character Lirien. I would definitely love to get her POV. She is so quirky and wonderful. She balances Sarielle.
I am glad this is a duology. Because so much has been uncovered and revealed. With just enough to be finished off in the next book. But the cliffhanger chapter was brutal. And I can’t wait till I can get my hands on the next one.
I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
October 4, 2023
Unputdownable! This book is so well thought out, the world so well build and the characters, both main and side characters, are so much fun to read. This fantasy is sprinkled with real world mod cons, sexy fae men and hilarious women with some serious dark sides! Sarielle is an interesting mix of innocent and vulnerable mixed with a dark and dangerous side, I sure wouldnt want to get on her bad side! Lysander is a dangerous mix to compare to Sarielle, sexy, dangerous, seductive and totally complicit in sacrificing his newfound obsession. He is literally a book boyfriend tease, all the things you want and none of the commitment of real life. Secrets and lies are big themes here and if you've ever wished that Hogwarts was a university and the students did naughty and filthy things with each other, you cant miss this new series!
October 23, 2023
Oh wow was this book so freaking good I couldn't put it down the whole time. There is so so many thing's that happen in here you don't know who's telling lies or who's telling the truth and who's on who's side. Just blood pumping anticipation of what's going to happen next and that cliffhanger ending just what the french toast was that ending. Ugh I need the next book I am obsessed with finding out what happens next.
September 25, 2023
What is this book? A dash of magic, a sprinkle of intrigue, a dusting of humor, a splash of steam, a dab of drama, a touch of spooky, and a spritz of mystery all rolled into a spellbinding story that has me hooked! Also flirtatious …. books? Yeah, now you’ve got to read to see what I mean !! My welcome to Nightshade University was nothing short of jaw dropping. The characters are interesting and leave you unsure of who to trust, the story grabs you, and the twists and turns keep you on your toes!
Read
December 17, 20234.5⭐️
- Romantasy
- Magical university
- Hate to love
- Forbidden
- Secret society
Omg I loved this book! It was such a fun spooky season read with twists and turns at every corner. The ending had me so shook🤯 The characters are so well explained and I really felt like you got to know them, even Ariya, Rook & Lirien who are side characters. I cannot wait for the second book! ARE WE GOING TO GET A REDEMPTION TROPE?!?
Plus, I am here for Rook & Lirien if her visions are true😜🥰
Thank u so much for the arc!
- Romantasy
- Magical university
- Hate to love
- Forbidden
- Secret society
Omg I loved this book! It was such a fun spooky season read with twists and turns at every corner. The ending had me so shook🤯 The characters are so well explained and I really felt like you got to know them, even Ariya, Rook & Lirien who are side characters. I cannot wait for the second book! ARE WE GOING TO GET A REDEMPTION TROPE?!?
Plus, I am here for Rook & Lirien if her visions are true😜🥰
Thank u so much for the arc!
October 5, 2023
There are no words for how much I loved this new world. I can’t wait for the next book, especially after that cliffhanger! There’s a lot going on in this book, plus we’re still diving into this new world so everything seemed to be moving at the speed of light. Honestly the only characters I know I love are Sarielle & Lirien! Everyone else I’m on the fence & don’t know who to trust, much like I imagine Sarielle feels. I love how fast paced & twisted this world is & honestly I just want more. I’m very much so looking forward to more books in this series.
October 10, 2023
The way this book seemed to be going so well for the characters and then a complete 180 right there at the end. It hit me hard. That ending was a slap in the face I was so cheer for that character not to do me wrong (I wont say who as to not have any spoilers) but what a betrayal it was. If you want a determined FMC with a best friend who sees the future and is super quirky and has no filter, all the while the FMC is trying to deal with new found powers and the mystery of who she truly is. Also just for fun lets throw in some hauntings. Prefect for this spooky season.
October 5, 2023
There is nothing I love more than getting engrossed in a Romantasy which is well written with a great plot, complex well written characters. The world building is incredibly detailed and helped me make some beautiful pictures in my head. This has so many twists and turns and kept me thoroughly entertained.
Lysander and Sarielle have excellent chemistry and their push/ pull and banter was fantastic to read.
Cannot wait to see what comes next in the second part of this story
Lysander and Sarielle have excellent chemistry and their push/ pull and banter was fantastic to read.
Cannot wait to see what comes next in the second part of this story
October 6, 2023
I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing like that freaking ending! I don’t even know if I can explain to you how good this book is because I am still not breathing from that ending. Like holy F! Lysander and Sarielle are completely drawn to one another all they while they are enemies. This story dreams you in straight from the get go and it never lets up. It has a fantastic cast line up and I am so on board with side character stories if that is in the works! I cannot wait for book two!!
October 27, 2023
Oh my! I need more like now!
This book is like sick you in and don't do anything till your some reading.
I couldn't believe the world that was created by poppy in this book I was sucked in from the start,but of course leave me hanging wanting more. There really is no way to properly say anything about this book but as you read it the twist turns and everything will.keep you guessing and shock you at the same time
I need book two to find out what happens next
This book is like sick you in and don't do anything till your some reading.
I couldn't believe the world that was created by poppy in this book I was sucked in from the start,but of course leave me hanging wanting more. There really is no way to properly say anything about this book but as you read it the twist turns and everything will.keep you guessing and shock you at the same time
I need book two to find out what happens next
November 20, 2023
I am not sure what I just read or how it has 4.23 stars (at the time of posting). It's one of the worst books I've ever read.
There is absolutely 0 worldbuilding, basically 0 plot, and the characters are horrible. The writing itself is ok. And it read fast. But even from one paragraph to the next I would have whiplash and not understand what was happening. There is also no sense of time and nothing happens in the book except for the bad plot points. Theres maybe 4 supporting scenes.
There is absolutely 0 worldbuilding, basically 0 plot, and the characters are horrible. The writing itself is ok. And it read fast. But even from one paragraph to the next I would have whiplash and not understand what was happening. There is also no sense of time and nothing happens in the book except for the bad plot points. Theres maybe 4 supporting scenes.
October 5, 2023
This book sucked the soul right out of my body! I need book two to get it back. Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters, I still don't know who to trust though! Guess I'll figure that out soon enough!
October 5, 2023
Cant wait to see where this one goes
Loving our Sweet Sari and Lirien, the bestie duo everyone needs. I look forward to seeing where this one goes hoping there is much grovelling and karmic retribution to come.
Loving our Sweet Sari and Lirien, the bestie duo everyone needs. I look forward to seeing where this one goes hoping there is much grovelling and karmic retribution to come.
October 9, 2023
Noooooooooooooo!!! I need more asap!!! The whole book was amazing, but that ending was...wtf!!!
Read
January 18, 2025dnf @ 50%
BOOORING
BOOORING
November 26, 2023
This book was FUN!! The idea of a university for Fae is super intriguing! It was like Hogwarts but with the fae courts. SUCH a good idea IMO. THE MC isn’t your typical looking fae girl, which I thought was awesome. I would LOVE to see some fan art of her. Some of the banter was a LITTLE cringy but overall it was pretty good! I’m so sad the second book isn’t ready! I definitely recommend for a quick light read!!
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