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The Souls of Blackwood Academy #1
Immortal Consequences
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fantasy & Sci-Fi (2025)Six students at Blackwood Academy, an enigmatic boarding school located at the edge of the afterlife, must compete for the once-in-eternity chance to change their fate—or risk remaining stuck in purgatory forever. An unputdownable debut full of hairpin twists, shock betrayals and world-defying love, for fans of The Atlas Six.
Welcome to Blackwood Academy: the legendary school located at the fringes of the afterlife, where students are fated to spend the rest of eternity shepherding lost souls. Once a pupil enters the school’s arched gates, there is no way out…except for the Decennial, a once-in-a-decade celebration that rewards nominees who pass its trials with a choice: formally graduate and join Blackwood’s magical elite, or venture into the unknown and cross over to the mysterious Other Side.
Wren Loughty is certain that this Decennial, she has what it takes to earn the nomination—unless, that is, her academic archrival Augustine Hughes steals her spot.
Irene Manette Bamford has never cared about playing by the rules. She’s willing to break whatever (and whoever) stands between her and getting the hell out of Blackwood, including her best and only friend, Masika Sallow.
Olivier Dupont gave up on securing the nomination ages ago. But after he meets Blackwood’s newest student, Emilio Córdova, he’ll do anything to keep Emilio from leaving him and crossing over to the Other Side—even if it means claiming the victory for himself.
All of them are determined to be Blackwood’s chosen candidate–and all of them would do anything to win. But none of them are prepared for what’s to come. Because this Decennial will be different. This time, the Decennial isn’t a celebration…it’s a competition. And there can only be one victor.
Six nominees. Four trials. Untold danger. Wren, August, Irene, Masika, Olivier and Emilio are about to learn: there are some fates worse than death.
Welcome to Blackwood Academy: the legendary school located at the fringes of the afterlife, where students are fated to spend the rest of eternity shepherding lost souls. Once a pupil enters the school’s arched gates, there is no way out…except for the Decennial, a once-in-a-decade celebration that rewards nominees who pass its trials with a choice: formally graduate and join Blackwood’s magical elite, or venture into the unknown and cross over to the mysterious Other Side.
Wren Loughty is certain that this Decennial, she has what it takes to earn the nomination—unless, that is, her academic archrival Augustine Hughes steals her spot.
Irene Manette Bamford has never cared about playing by the rules. She’s willing to break whatever (and whoever) stands between her and getting the hell out of Blackwood, including her best and only friend, Masika Sallow.
Olivier Dupont gave up on securing the nomination ages ago. But after he meets Blackwood’s newest student, Emilio Córdova, he’ll do anything to keep Emilio from leaving him and crossing over to the Other Side—even if it means claiming the victory for himself.
All of them are determined to be Blackwood’s chosen candidate–and all of them would do anything to win. But none of them are prepared for what’s to come. Because this Decennial will be different. This time, the Decennial isn’t a celebration…it’s a competition. And there can only be one victor.
Six nominees. Four trials. Untold danger. Wren, August, Irene, Masika, Olivier and Emilio are about to learn: there are some fates worse than death.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2025
2497 people are currently reading
98648 people want to read
About the author
I.V. Marie
2 books940 followersI.V. Marie is the instant New York Times, USA Today and Indie Bestselling author of Immortal Consequences. She was born and raised in Miami to a Peruvian mother and Chilean father, where she acquired a penchant for afternoon cafecitos and developed an all-consuming obsession with books. Her writing ambitions began behind her grandparents’ computer, where she spent her childhood crafting spooky and fantastical short stories. When she is not writing, you can find her rock climbing or watching atmospheric Youtube videos with her dog, Mr. Darcy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,102 reviews
December 5, 2024
As the first round of early copies of Immortal Consequences begin to make their way into readers’ hands, it’s officially time for me to skedaddle from here and let readers have this space <3 But before I make myself scarce, I just wanted to drop in and leave a little note for you all.
Whether you've stumbled upon this book by chance, or you've been following my journey from the beginning, I want to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude. As a lifelong reader who always found solace in reading and escaping into fantasy worlds, I can only hope my book might offer a fraction of that same feeling for you.
I always tell people this book is about many things. It’s a book about magic and friendship. About deadly secrets and fated hearts. But at it’s core, it’s a love-letter to those of us who have endured the unrelenting waves of grief and learned not to drown.
P.S. Yes, it's kind of silly for me to give my own book 5 stars, but I'm more so giving 5 stars to the version of myself who wrote the first draft of this book. The one who was working full time in retail and who had recently enrolled back in college after dropping out years before. The one who thought she'd missed the window for her dreams to come true. These 5 stars are for you!
Welcome to Blackwood Academy––and happy reading!
Edit: For those inquiring about ARCs, I unfortunately do not handle ARC distribution. Best way to snag an early copy would be to reach out to my publisher directly :) Thank you!
Whether you've stumbled upon this book by chance, or you've been following my journey from the beginning, I want to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude. As a lifelong reader who always found solace in reading and escaping into fantasy worlds, I can only hope my book might offer a fraction of that same feeling for you.
I always tell people this book is about many things. It’s a book about magic and friendship. About deadly secrets and fated hearts. But at it’s core, it’s a love-letter to those of us who have endured the unrelenting waves of grief and learned not to drown.
P.S. Yes, it's kind of silly for me to give my own book 5 stars, but I'm more so giving 5 stars to the version of myself who wrote the first draft of this book. The one who was working full time in retail and who had recently enrolled back in college after dropping out years before. The one who thought she'd missed the window for her dreams to come true. These 5 stars are for you!
Welcome to Blackwood Academy––and happy reading!
Edit: For those inquiring about ARCs, I unfortunately do not handle ARC distribution. Best way to snag an early copy would be to reach out to my publisher directly :) Thank you!
September 26, 2025
2.75 ⭐️
I gotta say this wasn’t my favorite. I was contemplating DNFing up until about 75%, but then it finally hooked me. It felt like there were too many POV’s, as soon as I would start to get into it, the POV would change. I like the plot, it just seemed a bit chaotic in terms of how it was executed.
I gotta say this wasn’t my favorite. I was contemplating DNFing up until about 75%, but then it finally hooked me. It felt like there were too many POV’s, as soon as I would start to get into it, the POV would change. I like the plot, it just seemed a bit chaotic in terms of how it was executed.
October 27, 2025
Two things I can never resist in books—dark academia and the enemies-to-lovers trope! The moment I spot them, I dive in headfirst, completely ignoring the page count or even the plot. I just know these elements will always provide the kind of entertainment that feeds my soul and makes for an unforgettable reading experience.
Surprisingly, I adored Wren and August’s sizzling chemistry and their thrilling cat-and-mouse game along the fine line between love and hate. But if I had to choose the sweetest couple, Oliver and Emilio stole my heart. Their bond felt more authentic, tender, and deeply touching. Emilio and Masika became my absolute favorite characters—I wish I could wrap them in a protective shield to keep them safe from all harm.
The world-building of the afterlife was absolutely captivating. The story unfolds at an enigmatic boarding school where souls, aged eighteen to nineteen, are trained to become Reapers, guiding the dead to the other side. Each year, one student is chosen to participate in the Decennial—an intense competition featuring four perilous trials. The winner earns the right to ascend and join the magical elite, or they can choose to pass into the afterlife, embracing the unknown.
But this year, everything changes. Instead of selecting just one competitor, the council names twelve students to compete. The reason? The Demon Order is growing stronger, breaking through the academy’s protective spells and infiltrating with spies. When six students witness dark magic taking control of a newcomer, Louise, Headmaster Silas forces them to swear secrecy. But as if that weren’t enough, those same six are thrust into the Decennial, where survival is anything but guaranteed.
Wren is haunted by nightmares and guilt over the accident that led to her death. Determined to redeem herself, she seizes her second chance at Blackwood Academy—only to find herself drawn, like a moth to flame, to August. He’s her greatest rival, her tormentor, and yet… something more. Meanwhile, Emilio longs for the family he left behind, yet he can’t help but fall for sweet, old-soul Oliver, a boy from the 1800s who hides a devastating secret that keeps him from confessing his feelings. Masika, still reeling from betrayal, keeps her own secrets locked away, while Irene, possibly the most ruthless of them all, is determined to win. After years of suffering under her mother’s cruelty, she finally has a taste of power—and her hunger for more may lead her down a dangerous path.
One of them will emerge victorious, claiming a place among the magical elite or choosing the afterlife, as Emilio longs to do. But what happens to the ones who fail? Will they simply return to their old routines—or is the academy hiding something far more sinister? As the Demon Order’s strength continues to rise, threatening to upend the entire afterlife, the trials will test not only their skills but their deepest secrets—some of which have the power to shatter everything they believe in.
Let the trials begin. Who will rise? Who will survive?
Overall, the cliffhanger left me breathless! The fast pacing and addictive chapters make this long read fly by, keeping you entertained every second. I’m rounding my 4.5 stars up to a glowing 5—dark, magical, and utterly thrilling! I can’t wait for the sequel and hope it comes out soon!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this addictive YA fantasy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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Surprisingly, I adored Wren and August’s sizzling chemistry and their thrilling cat-and-mouse game along the fine line between love and hate. But if I had to choose the sweetest couple, Oliver and Emilio stole my heart. Their bond felt more authentic, tender, and deeply touching. Emilio and Masika became my absolute favorite characters—I wish I could wrap them in a protective shield to keep them safe from all harm.
The world-building of the afterlife was absolutely captivating. The story unfolds at an enigmatic boarding school where souls, aged eighteen to nineteen, are trained to become Reapers, guiding the dead to the other side. Each year, one student is chosen to participate in the Decennial—an intense competition featuring four perilous trials. The winner earns the right to ascend and join the magical elite, or they can choose to pass into the afterlife, embracing the unknown.
But this year, everything changes. Instead of selecting just one competitor, the council names twelve students to compete. The reason? The Demon Order is growing stronger, breaking through the academy’s protective spells and infiltrating with spies. When six students witness dark magic taking control of a newcomer, Louise, Headmaster Silas forces them to swear secrecy. But as if that weren’t enough, those same six are thrust into the Decennial, where survival is anything but guaranteed.
Wren is haunted by nightmares and guilt over the accident that led to her death. Determined to redeem herself, she seizes her second chance at Blackwood Academy—only to find herself drawn, like a moth to flame, to August. He’s her greatest rival, her tormentor, and yet… something more. Meanwhile, Emilio longs for the family he left behind, yet he can’t help but fall for sweet, old-soul Oliver, a boy from the 1800s who hides a devastating secret that keeps him from confessing his feelings. Masika, still reeling from betrayal, keeps her own secrets locked away, while Irene, possibly the most ruthless of them all, is determined to win. After years of suffering under her mother’s cruelty, she finally has a taste of power—and her hunger for more may lead her down a dangerous path.
One of them will emerge victorious, claiming a place among the magical elite or choosing the afterlife, as Emilio longs to do. But what happens to the ones who fail? Will they simply return to their old routines—or is the academy hiding something far more sinister? As the Demon Order’s strength continues to rise, threatening to upend the entire afterlife, the trials will test not only their skills but their deepest secrets—some of which have the power to shatter everything they believe in.
Let the trials begin. Who will rise? Who will survive?
Overall, the cliffhanger left me breathless! The fast pacing and addictive chapters make this long read fly by, keeping you entertained every second. I’m rounding my 4.5 stars up to a glowing 5—dark, magical, and utterly thrilling! I can’t wait for the sequel and hope it comes out soon!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this addictive YA fantasy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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December 19, 2025
3.5 stars!
ᯓ★ The Premise:
Set in Blackwood Academy, a boarding school suspended between life and death, students are trapped in eternal adolescence, condemned to reap souls until they fade into nothingness. Their only escape lies in the Decennial Festival, a once-in-a-decade competition offering either ascension into leadership or passage to the Other Side.
𓍯𓂃𓏧♡
I loved the gothic allure of dark academia— the candlelit libraries, shadowed corridors, and whispered secrets of Blackwood Academy, where every corridor whispers secrets and every soul is both a rival and a mirror.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
✎ᝰ. Character Analysis:
࣪𖤐 𝙒𝙧𝙚𝙣
Haunted yet defiant, Wren is the emotional core. Her memories of life bleed into her choices, making her both vulnerable and dangerous. She is literally the embodiment of rebellion against the Academy’s rigid rules, often questioning whether immortality is worth the cost.
࣪𖤐 𝘼𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩
Wren’s rival, sharp-tongued and calculating. August thrives on confrontation, but beneath the bravado lies a fear of insignificance. His dynamic with Wren is electric—half rivalry, half reluctant alliance.
࣪𖤐 𝙊𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙧
Cold, aristocratic, and ambitious. Olivier treats the Decennial like a chessboard, moving pieces with precision. His detachment makes him terrifying, but also strangely magnetic.
࣪𖤐 𝙀𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙤
The idealist of the group, Emilio clings to notions of justice even in purgatory. His compassion often feels like a liability, but it’s also what makes him unforgettable. He’s the conscience of the Decennial.
࣪𖤐 𝙄𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚
The quiet strategist. Irene’s subtle manipulations and keen observations make her the most underestimated competitor. She’s proof that silence can be sharper than any blade. Initially, I didn't like her much, but later on, I loved her character.
࣪𖤐 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙠𝙖
Fierce and pragmatic, Masika is survival incarnate. She refuses sentimentality, wielding her scars as armor. Her presence challenges the others to confront their own weaknesses.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
𓂃✍︎ Style & Themes:
Marie’s writing is witty yet mournful laced with irony. According to me, the novel interrogates authenticity, ambition and the cost of survival and echoing questions like:
Is immortality worth losing your humanity?
The Decennial itself is a metaphor for adolescence—competition, identity and the desperate need to be chosen. Each character embodies a different response to alienation:
𐙚 rebellion (Wren),
𐙚 rivalry (August),
𐙚 ambition (Olivier),
𐙚 idealism (Emilio),
𐙚 pragmatism (Masika) and
𐙚 subtlety (Irene).
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
Every time Wren and August shared a scene, I felt my chest tighten, like the book itself was daring me not to breathe. The tension between them was almost unbearable, like standing too close to a fire and knowing you’ll get burned but refusing to step back.
Wren carries her defiance like armor, sharp and unyielding, but the moment August enters, that armor starts to crack. He doesn’t just look at her—he sees her, and the weight of that gaze made me pause, reread and hold my breath as if I were the one being pulled into his orbit.
This was a hauntingly witty exploration of death’s bureaucracy and the human desire to matter. Its characters are flawed, fascinating and unforgettable. Wren and August’s tension alone could power the novel, but the ensemble cast ensures every chapter feels like a duel of philosophies.
Last but not the least, I would like to thank my pookies to for this amazing buddy read. We should do more of these later! Thankyou so much for including me! I loved this so much<3
If you enjoy dark academia with teeth, this book is a must read!
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 Pre Read
(My last read in 2025)
Buddy reading with
╰┈➤ katie
╰┈➤ Mani- mah biryani
╰┈➤ ishy-the-fishy
╰┈➤ minzilla-my muffin
╰┈➤ dandanadan
╰┈➤ aves
╰┈➤ sol
╰┈➤ sisi
╰┈➤ lils
╰┈➤ may
╰┈➤ gabs
(𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚛 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚛𝚜)
──── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ────
જ⁀➴ 𝕮𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖞:
Oooohh
Awww
Ꮆ卂丂卩卩卩卩
คυ૭υς੮ ɿς ς૦ Һ૦੮! ૦Һ ૭૦ძ! ɿςҺע, ૭૦ คωคע! ςҺ૦૦ ςҺ૦૦!
ɿ ωคς ʆυς੮ қɿძძɿՈ૭, ცคცע!
ᯓ★ The Premise:
Set in Blackwood Academy, a boarding school suspended between life and death, students are trapped in eternal adolescence, condemned to reap souls until they fade into nothingness. Their only escape lies in the Decennial Festival, a once-in-a-decade competition offering either ascension into leadership or passage to the Other Side.
𓍯𓂃𓏧♡
I loved the gothic allure of dark academia— the candlelit libraries, shadowed corridors, and whispered secrets of Blackwood Academy, where every corridor whispers secrets and every soul is both a rival and a mirror.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
✎ᝰ. Character Analysis:
࣪𖤐 𝙒𝙧𝙚𝙣
Haunted yet defiant, Wren is the emotional core. Her memories of life bleed into her choices, making her both vulnerable and dangerous. She is literally the embodiment of rebellion against the Academy’s rigid rules, often questioning whether immortality is worth the cost.
࣪𖤐 𝘼𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩
Wren’s rival, sharp-tongued and calculating. August thrives on confrontation, but beneath the bravado lies a fear of insignificance. His dynamic with Wren is electric—half rivalry, half reluctant alliance.
࣪𖤐 𝙊𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙧
Cold, aristocratic, and ambitious. Olivier treats the Decennial like a chessboard, moving pieces with precision. His detachment makes him terrifying, but also strangely magnetic.
࣪𖤐 𝙀𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙤
The idealist of the group, Emilio clings to notions of justice even in purgatory. His compassion often feels like a liability, but it’s also what makes him unforgettable. He’s the conscience of the Decennial.
࣪𖤐 𝙄𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚
The quiet strategist. Irene’s subtle manipulations and keen observations make her the most underestimated competitor. She’s proof that silence can be sharper than any blade. Initially, I didn't like her much, but later on, I loved her character.
࣪𖤐 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙠𝙖
Fierce and pragmatic, Masika is survival incarnate. She refuses sentimentality, wielding her scars as armor. Her presence challenges the others to confront their own weaknesses.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
𓂃✍︎ Style & Themes:
Marie’s writing is witty yet mournful laced with irony. According to me, the novel interrogates authenticity, ambition and the cost of survival and echoing questions like:
Is immortality worth losing your humanity?
The Decennial itself is a metaphor for adolescence—competition, identity and the desperate need to be chosen. Each character embodies a different response to alienation:
𐙚 rebellion (Wren),
𐙚 rivalry (August),
𐙚 ambition (Olivier),
𐙚 idealism (Emilio),
𐙚 pragmatism (Masika) and
𐙚 subtlety (Irene).
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
Every time Wren and August shared a scene, I felt my chest tighten, like the book itself was daring me not to breathe. The tension between them was almost unbearable, like standing too close to a fire and knowing you’ll get burned but refusing to step back.
Wren carries her defiance like armor, sharp and unyielding, but the moment August enters, that armor starts to crack. He doesn’t just look at her—he sees her, and the weight of that gaze made me pause, reread and hold my breath as if I were the one being pulled into his orbit.
This was a hauntingly witty exploration of death’s bureaucracy and the human desire to matter. Its characters are flawed, fascinating and unforgettable. Wren and August’s tension alone could power the novel, but the ensemble cast ensures every chapter feels like a duel of philosophies.
Last but not the least, I would like to thank my pookies to for this amazing buddy read. We should do more of these later! Thankyou so much for including me! I loved this so much<3
If you enjoy dark academia with teeth, this book is a must read!
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 Pre Read
(My last read in 2025)
Buddy reading with
╰┈➤ katie
╰┈➤ Mani- mah biryani
╰┈➤ ishy-the-fishy
╰┈➤ minzilla-my muffin
╰┈➤ dandanadan
╰┈➤ aves
╰┈➤ sol
╰┈➤ sisi
╰┈➤ lils
╰┈➤ may
╰┈➤ gabs
(𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚋𝚛 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚛𝚜)
──── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ────
જ⁀➴ 𝕮𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖞:
"The truth was, August didn’t care about becoming an Ascended. And he certainly didn’t give a damn about academic glory. But pestering Wren with their silly rivalry was the only way to keep her distracted. To keep her from discovering what he really wanted. And he knew, now more than ever, that he should be keeping her at a distance. Solidifying that wall between them for her own good."
Oooohh
"But despite everything, a part of him still clung to it (his memory). Desperate to hold on to something living and real."
Awww
“Now, why don’t you pocket your questions for later and follow me like a good little—”
He’d barely finished his sentence when he suddenly found himself unable to move, a dagger jammed into the back of his hand. He glanced down to find Wren staring back at him, blue eyes narrowed in defiance.
Ꮆ卂丂卩卩卩卩
คυ૭υς੮ ɿς ς૦ Һ૦੮! ૦Һ ૭૦ძ! ɿςҺע, ૭૦ คωคע! ςҺ૦૦ ςҺ૦૦!
ɿ ωคς ʆυς੮ қɿძძɿՈ૭, ცคცע!
October 26, 2025
September 21st, 2024: Yes, I did get here because of the author's IG post
December 11th, 2024: DID YOU SEE THIS COVER???!!?!?!?
August 9th, 2025: I would just like the record to show that I object to the fact that Libby says I still have to wait about 7 more weeks.
August 14th, 2025: I GOT IT
August 17th, 2025: I think chapter 56 changed my brain chemistry
December 11th, 2024: DID YOU SEE THIS COVER???!!?!?!?
August 9th, 2025: I would just like the record to show that I object to the fact that Libby says I still have to wait about 7 more weeks.
August 14th, 2025: I GOT IT
August 17th, 2025: I think chapter 56 changed my brain chemistry
Currently reading
November 27, 2025⊹˖�� ⏳𐙚⋆. 𝑷𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅
╰› Omg you don't understand how excited I am to read this!!!! This year i found out that dark academia is my new guilty pleasure and obbsesion🤭let's ignore the fact that I've only read 2 books in the genre for some reason I alr have a very strong feeling that I'm gna love this book fingers crossed 🤞🏻 tho the only thing that scares me is the multipovs like it's such a big hit or miss trope?!? (i dunno what it's called) for me. Also can we take a moment and admire this beauty of a cover like damn I'm mezmierazied.
꒰🌺꒱ˎˊ---- BUDDY READING WITH:
⤷sara
⤷ishyy
⤷choco mins
⤷mays
⤷kitty kat
⤷aves
⤷lily
⤷sol
⤷gabs
⤷sisi
⤷ellie
⤷dan
╰› Omg you don't understand how excited I am to read this!!!! This year i found out that dark academia is my new guilty pleasure and obbsesion🤭
꒰🌺꒱ˎˊ---- BUDDY READING WITH:
⤷sara
⤷ishyy
⤷choco mins
⤷mays
⤷kitty kat
⤷aves
⤷lily
⤷sol
⤷gabs
⤷sisi
⤷ellie
⤷dan
July 7, 2025
what a flimsy, flimsy book. i was going to give it 2 stars originally because i had a soft spot for this book, largely because of the cover and the fact that it's a debut novel. but the more i think about it, the more disappointed i get.
i feel like there's nothing about this book that actually works. there's six main characters, but i could not distinguish them from the other if my life depended on it. they're all just so maudlin, so tortured, so deep and yet so simple-minded, have all the personality of a tumblr post.. and completely fail to leave their mark. they seem more of a "concept of a person" rather than people in their own right, and you have to fight hard to even begin to care about any of them. there's a bunch of traumadumping (forgive the word) and the author seems to think that's enough to make you root for the characters. it is not. i don't know these guys.
the worldbuilding is so thin, if it's there at all. everything of importance is explained under "we don't know why that happens" "that's just the way it is" and you're supposed to take it in stride, but still somehow understand the gravity of the situation. nb: plot twists don't work when your plot doesn't make sense. the whole book reads in sort of a limbo, which makes for awkward placing because what? is going on? why should i care? the concept of going to classes for a millennia is dumb as rocks in the first place, but then we don't get any explanation for anything ever (what do they teach for a thousand years? why are their classes STILL so elementary after a thousand years? how does the magic system work? how do the many magic “types” factor into the afterlife? speaking of, how does the afterlife even work? for a premise that's so universal, everything feels exceptionally constrained and claustrophobic.) anyway, i think books usually take this turn when they're not thought out at all, not the concept or the mechanics of the world, and the author wants a get out of jail free card to run amok with the story whichever way, without having to explain themselves. which is sure, your prerogative, but it is disrespectful as fuck to the reader. lol
the plot: more nonsense. there's no logic, whatever developments are easy to predict and kind of annoyingly thoughtless, so. it's just overall such a bland book that i can't even find it in myself to be mad about it. i just feel bad. the main villain is this comical big bad guy who became big and bad because [reasons indecipherable] [spoiler ahead]so he could do really evil things and become headmaster? what does that even matter?! no one knows anything about the secondary villain "the soulless one" except one of the characters doesn't have a soul so maybe... that's related? oh it is? no way, i am so shocked. [spoiler end]. it's just a really dull and passionless book, with a really pretty cover lmaoo. anyway: one thing to take from my review if you've read this far: don't bother with this book, it's just not worth it. i wouldn't even recommend it for a hate read.
that's all i guess. thank you to delacorte press for the arc.
*credits to whoever did the cover: any and all readers this book will ever get will be because of you.
i feel like there's nothing about this book that actually works. there's six main characters, but i could not distinguish them from the other if my life depended on it. they're all just so maudlin, so tortured, so deep and yet so simple-minded, have all the personality of a tumblr post.. and completely fail to leave their mark. they seem more of a "concept of a person" rather than people in their own right, and you have to fight hard to even begin to care about any of them. there's a bunch of traumadumping (forgive the word) and the author seems to think that's enough to make you root for the characters. it is not. i don't know these guys.
the worldbuilding is so thin, if it's there at all. everything of importance is explained under "we don't know why that happens" "that's just the way it is" and you're supposed to take it in stride, but still somehow understand the gravity of the situation. nb: plot twists don't work when your plot doesn't make sense. the whole book reads in sort of a limbo, which makes for awkward placing because what? is going on? why should i care? the concept of going to classes for a millennia is dumb as rocks in the first place, but then we don't get any explanation for anything ever (what do they teach for a thousand years? why are their classes STILL so elementary after a thousand years? how does the magic system work? how do the many magic “types” factor into the afterlife? speaking of, how does the afterlife even work? for a premise that's so universal, everything feels exceptionally constrained and claustrophobic.) anyway, i think books usually take this turn when they're not thought out at all, not the concept or the mechanics of the world, and the author wants a get out of jail free card to run amok with the story whichever way, without having to explain themselves. which is sure, your prerogative, but it is disrespectful as fuck to the reader. lol
the plot: more nonsense. there's no logic, whatever developments are easy to predict and kind of annoyingly thoughtless, so. it's just overall such a bland book that i can't even find it in myself to be mad about it. i just feel bad. the main villain is this comical big bad guy who became big and bad because [reasons indecipherable] [spoiler ahead]
that's all i guess. thank you to delacorte press for the arc.
*credits to whoever did the cover: any and all readers this book will ever get will be because of you.
December 5, 2025
── .✦
3.5 stars
⏾
︵ spoiler free review
࣪ ˖tropes ⊹ ࣪
#shebandagedhiswounds #rivalstolovers #hefallsfirst #friendstolovers #trials #betrayal #duelpovs #darkacademia #schoolforthedead #diversecharacters #queerrep
࣪ ˖thoughts ⊹ ࣪
I honestly don’t really know how to feel about this book. It was enjoyable but also boring, so you might see me randomly changing the rating to 3-4 stars. But anyway, short story short, this is basically Harry Potter but with more diverse characters (yes, Siera, I stole this from you, thanks)
First of all, there were so many POVs, and if you’re a good friend of mine, you’d know I hate multiple POVs. I find that they’re always scattered everywhere and make things confusing. And they did indeed make things confusing, especially with my memory of goldfish; I had to recheck a few times whose perspective I was reading. Putting that aside, the writing style was boring. It wasn’t childish or not descriptive in any such way, but it barely caught my eye and didn’t make me addicted to reading this book. I also found the characters really basic, and as much as I loved August, I must admit the characters felt copied and pasted from other popular books. The only thing that kept me going was listening to my dark academia playlist while reading.
And perhaps it was I listening to music throughout the book that made it enjoyable, or maybe it was the magical aspect of the book that made it enjoyable in some way. Because I will admit I loved the concept of the world of this book. a school in the afterlife for students to learn to lead souls in the afterlife was so interesting. There were even trials. I just wish the writing style had more emotion and was more dramatic. And perhaps it would've been better with only two characters' perspectives. And also, perhaps it would’ve been a better idea to make everything less preticable.
I just feel like this book was insta-love. All the couples (yes, I said all freaking multiple POVs) flirted with each other since page one, and that annoyed me. WHERE WAS THE TENSION? THE HEATED GAZES WHILE SAYING I HATE YOU OR THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND? I can’t bye.
࣪ ˖characters ⊹ ࣪
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀🗝️ 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 ˎˊ˗ my most favourite character in this book. I do love him, but I will admit that he was built to be a book boyfriend just like Kai Azer. And if you know me, my hate for Kai Azer is brutal. i wished in his perspectives we got more of him and less of his love for Wren. And in the other people's perspectives, perhaps we didn’t need a reminder of how moody and brooding he was? Thanks
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🕯️𝐖𝐫𝐞𝐧 ˎˊ˗ Honestly, the character I relate to the most! She reminded me a lot of Effy from This Study In Drowning. Though her hatred for August was supposed to be for the rivals and lovers trope, it was annoying that the moment August made a move, she said in her heart that she loved him. Why all of a sudden? What happened to all that hatred bb💀 well anyway that’s the only thing that pissed me off about her.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋📜 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐨 ˎˊ˗ Our casual short bookworm who’s sweet as hellsaranya is that you? He was definitely a likable character, and I find it hard to find anything about him to dislike. Perhaps the only character who didn't give me the ick
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🕰️ 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 ˎˊ˗ What's a fantasy book without a flirtatious, funnyfrench dude? Honestly, his flirtations didn't give me butterflies; they just gave me irritation, but he was a pretty entertaining character. He seemed copy and pasted from August but OH WELL.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🦢𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐤𝐚 ˎˊ˗ When I saw her name, my mind immediately thought MISAKA IS THAT YOU IN ANOTHER WORLD? She was alright, I barely paid attention to her.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🐇𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞 ˎˊ˗ A little bitchy at first, gets better later. Pretty boring characterI skipped most her chapters
࣪ ˖Overall ⊹ ࣪
Thank you to everybody who read with me!! Loved yapping with you guys xx. But anyway, I would recommend this book, but it won’t be my first
︵ spoiler free review
“There was power in that. In caring deeply and feeling everything.”
࣪ ˖tropes ⊹ ࣪
#shebandagedhiswounds #rivalstolovers #hefallsfirst #friendstolovers #trials #betrayal #duelpovs #darkacademia #schoolforthedead #diversecharacters #queerrep
࣪ ˖thoughts ⊹ ࣪
I honestly don’t really know how to feel about this book. It was enjoyable but also boring, so you might see me randomly changing the rating to 3-4 stars. But anyway, short story short, this is basically Harry Potter but with more diverse characters (yes, Siera, I stole this from you, thanks)
First of all, there were so many POVs, and if you’re a good friend of mine, you’d know I hate multiple POVs. I find that they’re always scattered everywhere and make things confusing. And they did indeed make things confusing, especially with my memory of goldfish; I had to recheck a few times whose perspective I was reading. Putting that aside, the writing style was boring. It wasn’t childish or not descriptive in any such way, but it barely caught my eye and didn’t make me addicted to reading this book. I also found the characters really basic, and as much as I loved August, I must admit the characters felt copied and pasted from other popular books. The only thing that kept me going was listening to my dark academia playlist while reading.
And perhaps it was I listening to music throughout the book that made it enjoyable, or maybe it was the magical aspect of the book that made it enjoyable in some way. Because I will admit I loved the concept of the world of this book. a school in the afterlife for students to learn to lead souls in the afterlife was so interesting. There were even trials. I just wish the writing style had more emotion and was more dramatic. And perhaps it would've been better with only two characters' perspectives. And also, perhaps it would’ve been a better idea to make everything less preticable.
I just feel like this book was insta-love. All the couples (yes, I said all freaking multiple POVs) flirted with each other since page one, and that annoyed me. WHERE WAS THE TENSION? THE HEATED GAZES WHILE SAYING I HATE YOU OR THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND? I can’t bye.
࣪ ˖characters ⊹ ࣪
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀🗝️ 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 ˎˊ˗ my most favourite character in this book. I do love him, but I will admit that he was built to be a book boyfriend just like Kai Azer. And if you know me, my hate for Kai Azer is brutal. i wished in his perspectives we got more of him and less of his love for Wren. And in the other people's perspectives, perhaps we didn’t need a reminder of how moody and brooding he was? Thanks
“If this is you trying to flirt with me,” he whispered, leaning in closer, “then I have to admit…it’s working.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🕯️𝐖𝐫𝐞𝐧 ˎˊ˗ Honestly, the character I relate to the most! She reminded me a lot of Effy from This Study In Drowning. Though her hatred for August was supposed to be for the rivals and lovers trope, it was annoying that the moment August made a move, she said in her heart that she loved him. Why all of a sudden? What happened to all that hatred bb💀 well anyway that’s the only thing that pissed me off about her.
“And, more importantly, she was spared from the immortal consequences of the Forgetting.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋📜 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐨 ˎˊ˗ Our casual short bookworm who’s sweet as hell
“It was why they tormented each other mercilessly, desperate to find ways to somehow, despite everything, still feel alive.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🕰️ 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 ˎˊ˗ What's a fantasy book without a flirtatious, funny
“How much time do you have?” “For you?” Olivier sighed. “An eternity.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🦢𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐤𝐚 ˎˊ˗ When I saw her name, my mind immediately thought MISAKA IS THAT YOU IN ANOTHER WORLD? She was alright, I barely paid attention to her.
“The dead weren’t meant to dream. Though she supposed they weren’t dead—not really. They existed in the place between. The place parallel to life and death, the one right on the cusp of birth and the dawn of the afterlife.”
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𓍢ִ໋🐇𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞 ˎˊ˗ A little bitchy at first, gets better later. Pretty boring character
“You’ve been trailing after her like some lovesick puppy dog ever since she first arrived.” “Irene…,” Masika muttered with a giggle. “If this is you trying to prove you’re not jealous…I’m afraid you’re not doing the best job.”
࣪ ˖Overall ⊹ ࣪
Thank you to everybody who read with me!! Loved yapping with you guys xx. But anyway, I would recommend this book, but it won’t be my first
September 9, 2025
This was a fun read! Perfect for that dark academia, atmospheric vibe we crave in the fall.
Characters do feel quite young, but this is a YA book - so somewhat expected. I also felt some repetition between the POVs.
But overall, fun story!
Characters do feel quite young, but this is a YA book - so somewhat expected. I also felt some repetition between the POVs.
But overall, fun story!
November 29, 2025
⤹ :: started: nov. 20, 2025 ꒱
꒰ ꕤ finished: nov. 28, 2025 ⊹
4.25 stars!
minnie's journal ᯓ⟢ review #22
── .𖦹Now playing:
꒰willow - Taylor Swift꒱
1:28 ─〇───── 3:35
╰┈➤ “The more that you say, the less I know.”
💌 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 [1] 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞..
⤷ {now opening message}
⋮ ⌗ 🖤┆꒰𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝‧₊ ᵎᵎ🌸꒱
oh my god, that was amazing. once again, many, many thanks to my babes for group reading this with me, i love you all so much! it was such a fun experience and time yapping with you all (even though i was not that online lol) and now i can't wait for the second book! especially after the ending...
۶ৎ age rating: 12-13+
۶ৎ spice level: 0/5
۶ৎ content warnings:
⟡ death/dying
⟡ gore/violence
⟡ kidnapping
⟡ serious injury
⟡ drinking
⟡ mentions of car accident, drug use
🌸 :: 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐲𝐩𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬⌢
At Blackwood Academy, a legendary school in the afterlife, where students spend eternity guiding lost souls, the only way out of their fate is the Decennial-a celebration every decade that lets its nominees who pass the trials the choice of graduating to join Blackwood's elite Ascended, or cross over into the Other Side. This decade's Decennial is different, though. Six students, all determined to be the nominee in the Decennial, each with their own motives, are surprised to discover that this Decennial is a competition.
[please wait...this user is writing her review..]
-----------
⋮ ⌗ 🌸┆꒰𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙‧₊ ᵎᵎ🖤꒱
mwah mwahhhh its the moment we've all been waiting for~cough yes even, you, the person reading this rn, you just didn't know it yet-
Finally buddy reading with my babes, the lomls 💋
⊹ishy (my wifey loml)
⊹the one and the only kitty kat
⊹my fave saracha
⊹the queen and goddess mahdi
⊹soleil (my twin for life sun and moon)
⊹sisi (the baby of the fam jk i love you my viet twin)
⊹avacado (the sweetest girl you'll ever meet)
⊹my favorite gay person in denial-dandan
⊹the lovely mays
⊹lily (cough faerie)
I did start this book, but then soft dnf'ed because I didn't have time, so I'm so excited to jump back in! I don't often read more than two povs, so this will be interesting <3
꒰🌸🖤꒱ 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙‧₊ ᵎᵎ
OMG LOOK AT THIS COVER~
its sooo beautiful and the sprayed edges are even more gorgeous..
anyways, yes im reading like 50 books at once and i have school at the same time...welp thats what math class is for hehehehe (jkjk i lowk need to lock in this year)
i digress. really excited for this one! hoping i dont get to lazy and dnf it for no reason :)
꒰ ꕤ finished: nov. 28, 2025 ⊹
4.25 stars!
minnie's journal ᯓ⟢ review #22
── .𖦹Now playing:
꒰willow - Taylor Swift꒱
1:28 ─〇───── 3:35
╰┈➤ “The more that you say, the less I know.”
💌 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 [1] 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞..
⤷ {now opening message}
⋮ ⌗ 🖤┆꒰𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝‧₊ ᵎᵎ🌸꒱
oh my god, that was amazing. once again, many, many thanks to my babes for group reading this with me, i love you all so much! it was such a fun experience and time yapping with you all (even though i was not that online lol) and now i can't wait for the second book! especially after the ending...
۶ৎ age rating: 12-13+
۶ৎ spice level: 0/5
۶ৎ content warnings:
⟡ death/dying
⟡ gore/violence
⟡ kidnapping
⟡ serious injury
⟡ drinking
⟡ mentions of car accident, drug use
🌸 :: 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐲𝐩𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬⌢
At Blackwood Academy, a legendary school in the afterlife, where students spend eternity guiding lost souls, the only way out of their fate is the Decennial-a celebration every decade that lets its nominees who pass the trials the choice of graduating to join Blackwood's elite Ascended, or cross over into the Other Side. This decade's Decennial is different, though. Six students, all determined to be the nominee in the Decennial, each with their own motives, are surprised to discover that this Decennial is a competition.
[please wait...this user is writing her review..]
-----------
⋮ ⌗ 🌸┆꒰𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙‧₊ ᵎᵎ🖤꒱
mwah mwahhhh its the moment we've all been waiting for~
Finally buddy reading with my babes, the lomls 💋
⊹ishy (my wifey loml)
⊹the one and the only kitty kat
⊹my fave saracha
⊹the queen and goddess mahdi
⊹soleil (my twin for life sun and moon)
⊹sisi (
⊹avacado (the sweetest girl you'll ever meet)
⊹my favorite gay person in denial-dandan
⊹the lovely mays
⊹lily (cough faerie)
I did start this book, but then soft dnf'ed because I didn't have time, so I'm so excited to jump back in! I don't often read more than two povs, so this will be interesting <3
OMG LOOK AT THIS COVER~
its sooo beautiful and the sprayed edges are even more gorgeous..
anyways, yes im reading like 50 books at once and i have school at the same time...welp thats what math class is for hehehehe (jkjk i lowk need to lock in this year)
i digress. really excited for this one! hoping i dont get to lazy and dnf it for no reason :)
Currently reading
September 2, 2025
November 11, 2025
── ⊹ 𐔌⏳ 4 stars .ᐟ┆⊹ ──
⤷ yapping before reviewing ⋮ ✦
First things first I wanna thank bestie juls who was there to freak out with me while reading this book, ty girly <3 this is her review!
⌗┆And now to the book…ngl my thoughts are all over the place, even days after I finished reading so I apologize in advance for the messy(?) review!!
Let’s start by saying I expected to love this book going into it. Even before reading it I couldn't stop thinking about it(because of the stunning cover) mostly because I just KNEW I would have loved it and couldn't wait to read it. SO I put myself out of my own misery and just picked this book up ignoring all my current reads. Now, was it necessary to explain you all this? no it really wasn’t, but i did anyway. #iwillnevershutup
⌗┆ As I predicted I really loved this book, though I must say it did take me a while to fall in love with it. Not because it was slow, but because since the very beginning it felt like the story had already began without me. We don’t see the characters meeting for the first time. So, more or less, all six of them already knew each other before the point in which the book begins. It felt like they had history I wasn't aware of and because of that it took me a while to connect to the romance/friendships.
The writing was very fast-paced. The fact that this is a debut novel is amazing to me, I.V. Marie please never stop writing like this. She crafted this world and characters effortlessly in my opinion. I think the magic system and the world were explained very well.
The world building really impressed me, the sole fact that this is a school set in purgatory is so original to me. Let alone the entire plot— six dead characters, each with a mysterious past life, that attend a magical school in the afterlife and compete to reach either the “other-side” or a higher rank in the school system. I mean damn, so unique in my opinion.
The plot had me hooked since the first page but to be totally honest I found myself not wanting to put this down once I hit the 300 pages mark. The last 200 pages were SO GOOD. The plot really picked up and many emotions were involved, the last two (i think?) trials of the competition were the best parts.
Moral of the story: this book took me out of my reading slump because of its interesting plot and the fact that it was so easy to read. It felt good to be able to binge a book like that.
⌗┆even though the book is divided among six different povs, it wasn’t confusing and the many povs didn't even bother me like they usually do. Each character is very complex and has their own story, which, for the record, was one of my biggest curiosity throughout the book— to find out how they passed. I’m nosy like that I guess.
I loved seeing the relationships between these “unfortunate acquaintances” (that's how they call themselves in the book) develop and blossom into something more and it was really touching at times.
The romance was so fucking good. There are mainly two couples: August + Wren and Emilio + Oliver.
ᝰ | August : he is THE yearner. He. gave. wren. a. piece. of. his. soul. to. save. her. #needthat (he’s much more complex than that but this is all you need to know till you read the book)
ᝰ | Wren : i could practically hear her saying “I need you to need me back” to August in Brooke Davis’ voice (from one tree hill) oh if she only knew...
ᝰ | Oliver and Emilio : they are my shaylas, i loved them so much. While August and Wren had a complicated relationship, we could say Emilio and Oliver were just so adorable together.
ᝰ | Then we have Masika and Irene . They better figure shit out in the next book because I’m afraid of what Irene is capable of without her friend to remind her of her own humanity.
⤷ final thoughts ⋮ ✦
⌗┆ I'm gonna repeat it one last time just in case it wasn't crear enough: I loved this book. But it wasn't a 5 star because as I said it took me a while to connect to the characters and even though the first half of the book wasn't boring, I became REALLY invested in the story only in the second half. And that ending was crazy, all those plot twists and revelations...oh well I guess I'll have to be patient and wait until the second book comes out
꒰ ❝ Welcome to the Decennial.❞ ꒱
⤷ yapping before reviewing ⋮ ✦
First things first I wanna thank bestie juls who was there to freak out with me while reading this book, ty girly <3 this is her review!
⌗┆And now to the book…ngl my thoughts are all over the place, even days after I finished reading so I apologize in advance for the messy(?) review!!
Let’s start by saying I expected to love this book going into it. Even before reading it I couldn't stop thinking about it
✦ ⋮ actually reviewing ✉️
⌗┆ As I predicted I really loved this book, though I must say it did take me a while to fall in love with it. Not because it was slow, but because since the very beginning it felt like the story had already began without me. We don’t see the characters meeting for the first time. So, more or less, all six of them already knew each other before the point in which the book begins. It felt like they had history I wasn't aware of and because of that it took me a while to connect to the romance/friendships.
The writing was very fast-paced. The fact that this is a debut novel is amazing to me, I.V. Marie please never stop writing like this. She crafted this world and characters effortlessly in my opinion. I think the magic system and the world were explained very well.
The world building really impressed me, the sole fact that this is a school set in purgatory is so original to me. Let alone the entire plot— six dead characters, each with a mysterious past life, that attend a magical school in the afterlife and compete to reach either the “other-side” or a higher rank in the school system. I mean damn, so unique in my opinion.
The plot had me hooked since the first page but to be totally honest I found myself not wanting to put this down once I hit the 300 pages mark. The last 200 pages were SO GOOD. The plot really picked up and many emotions were involved, the last two (i think?) trials of the competition were the best parts.
Moral of the story: this book took me out of my reading slump because of its interesting plot and the fact that it was so easy to read. It felt good to be able to binge a book like that.
✦ ⋮ characters 🕯️
⌗┆even though the book is divided among six different povs, it wasn’t confusing and the many povs didn't even bother me like they usually do. Each character is very complex and has their own story, which, for the record, was one of my biggest curiosity throughout the book— to find out how they passed. I’m nosy like that I guess.
I loved seeing the relationships between these “unfortunate acquaintances” (that's how they call themselves in the book) develop and blossom into something more and it was really touching at times.
The romance was so fucking good. There are mainly two couples: August + Wren and Emilio + Oliver.
ᝰ | August : he is THE yearner. He. gave. wren. a. piece. of. his. soul. to. save. her. #needthat (he’s much more complex than that but this is all you need to know till you read the book)
ᝰ | Wren : i could practically hear her saying “I need you to need me back” to August in Brooke Davis’ voice (from one tree hill) oh if she only knew...
ᝰ | Oliver and Emilio : they are my shaylas, i loved them so much. While August and Wren had a complicated relationship, we could say Emilio and Oliver were just so adorable together.
ᝰ | Then we have Masika and Irene . They better figure shit out in the next book because I’m afraid of what Irene is capable of without her friend to remind her of her own humanity.
⤷ final thoughts ⋮ ✦
⌗┆ I'm gonna repeat it one last time just in case it wasn't crear enough: I loved this book. But it wasn't a 5 star because as I said it took me a while to connect to the characters and even though the first half of the book wasn't boring, I became REALLY invested in the story only in the second half. And that ending was crazy, all those plot twists and revelations...oh well I guess I'll have to be patient and wait until the second book comes out
August 17, 2025
⭐️ 4 ⭐️ Let me convince you to read this book: 6 dead teens are attending a school on the fringes of the afterlife. They are the ultimate academic rivals who are chosen to compete in four dangerous trials for a chance to become the Ascended. There are six POVs, lots of lies, secrets and betrayal, lots of tension—do they want to kiss or kill each other?
YES there is pinning and longing, TWO brewing romances and for a teen/young adult audience this is a total hit. This is everything that I imaged it to be—great magic system, cut-throat characters, great pacing & slow burn tension, darkly atmospheric and morally grey.
QUOTE:
• “I think you hate how much you don’t hate me. You hate how much you enjoy being around me. How much you want to be near me. You hate that this twisted thing between us feels…good.”
What I truly appreciated was the level of the appropriateness & the amount of romance in a TEEN/YOUNG adult debut. It was realistic & relatable to the sort of thoughts and feelings a young adult might have about what love and attraction looks like. I think a lot of people are giving this book lower ratings without taking into account the intended audience of this book. It is NOT an adult fantasy/paranormal romance so don’t expect to find spice on the level of A Court of Silver Flames.
The book deals with a few complex and triggering topics like teen death, grief, loss and love underneath all the sadness. They were wonderfully incorporated into the backstories of all the six characters. The trials showed snippets of each students’ life prior to their death and set a foreshadowing tone which in my opinion wholesomely elevated the anticipation and intrigue. It kind of gave it an edge that I always look for in any fantasy novel.
QUOTE:
• “Grief isn’t the villain. It just wants to help you remember that despite losing someone, despite the sadness and headache and pain…there was also once love”
Now the magic system/world building is a little complex & I noticed that a lot of readers have complained that it was a bit hard to follow. Personally, I loved it. It was unique, well designed with all the loops and hoops to make it more interesting. So bellow I tried my best to explain it. Don’t read further if you haven’t read the book yet!
Blackwood Academy is part of the purgatory—the world between the living and the Other Side. It keeps the afterlife afloat. They help lost souls get from the Ether to the Other side, where the Ether serves as a passageway. When you die, your souls ends up in the Ether as part of the chosen—you become the reapers of lost souls. If you die & have extra baggage (aka unfinished business) then the Ethers (the reapers) have to help those souls before they can cross over. If a Corrupted Soul crosses into purgatory, they are consumed by the Ether to maintain that balance. They are usually taken to Shadow Lands (that belong to Demien Order) where they are consumed. But the Ether has been changing over time—it always required order & balance to function properly. It began to need more and the souls of the students were enough to satiate the Ether. The annual games known as The Decennial offered that opportunity to keep everything balanced. But the rules to these games have changed and now more players are required to participate. When a new student arrives, everything shifts. Little do they know, there is something sinister brewing and nothing is as it seems. Can the players trust each other or must they watch their backs?
YES there is pinning and longing, TWO brewing romances and for a teen/young adult audience this is a total hit. This is everything that I imaged it to be—great magic system, cut-throat characters, great pacing & slow burn tension, darkly atmospheric and morally grey.
QUOTE:
• “I think you hate how much you don’t hate me. You hate how much you enjoy being around me. How much you want to be near me. You hate that this twisted thing between us feels…good.”
What I truly appreciated was the level of the appropriateness & the amount of romance in a TEEN/YOUNG adult debut. It was realistic & relatable to the sort of thoughts and feelings a young adult might have about what love and attraction looks like. I think a lot of people are giving this book lower ratings without taking into account the intended audience of this book. It is NOT an adult fantasy/paranormal romance so don’t expect to find spice on the level of A Court of Silver Flames.
The book deals with a few complex and triggering topics like teen death, grief, loss and love underneath all the sadness. They were wonderfully incorporated into the backstories of all the six characters. The trials showed snippets of each students’ life prior to their death and set a foreshadowing tone which in my opinion wholesomely elevated the anticipation and intrigue. It kind of gave it an edge that I always look for in any fantasy novel.
QUOTE:
• “Grief isn’t the villain. It just wants to help you remember that despite losing someone, despite the sadness and headache and pain…there was also once love”
Now the magic system/world building is a little complex & I noticed that a lot of readers have complained that it was a bit hard to follow. Personally, I loved it. It was unique, well designed with all the loops and hoops to make it more interesting. So bellow I tried my best to explain it. Don’t read further if you haven’t read the book yet!
Blackwood Academy is part of the purgatory—the world between the living and the Other Side. It keeps the afterlife afloat. They help lost souls get from the Ether to the Other side, where the Ether serves as a passageway. When you die, your souls ends up in the Ether as part of the chosen—you become the reapers of lost souls. If you die & have extra baggage (aka unfinished business) then the Ethers (the reapers) have to help those souls before they can cross over. If a Corrupted Soul crosses into purgatory, they are consumed by the Ether to maintain that balance. They are usually taken to Shadow Lands (that belong to Demien Order) where they are consumed. But the Ether has been changing over time—it always required order & balance to function properly. It began to need more and the souls of the students were enough to satiate the Ether. The annual games known as The Decennial offered that opportunity to keep everything balanced. But the rules to these games have changed and now more players are required to participate. When a new student arrives, everything shifts. Little do they know, there is something sinister brewing and nothing is as it seems. Can the players trust each other or must they watch their backs?
September 10, 2025
4.5 stars! What a unique YA fantasy...Immortal Consequences was truly unlike any book I've read before. The dark academia vibes in purgatory absolutely delivered.
The pacing in this book was excellent, and I think that can be attributed to the six POVs and trial element. While there's nothing I love more than a fantasy book with trials, I'm always a bit skeptical because sometimes a) the trials are not the focal point of the story and b) the trials feel repetitive. But neither was the case here! I loved the major role the trials/Decennial played and each trial felt unique. Also the plot twists kept coming and coming, and I didn't expect most of them, which is always great.
The only reason why I didn't give it five stars is I didn't like all of the characters. Irene almost irrationally irritated me. While I appreciated that the author wanted to show her ambition and her tendency to push people away...it gets to a point. She was so cutthroat, which usually wouldn't bother me. But it was the fact that she was so self-centered that got on my nerves. And a few of the other characters felt underdeveloped, though I loved Wren, August, and Masika. But I can't wait for the sequel—need it now!
Thank you so much to Get Underlined for sending me a copy of Immortal Consequences. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)
The pacing in this book was excellent, and I think that can be attributed to the six POVs and trial element. While there's nothing I love more than a fantasy book with trials, I'm always a bit skeptical because sometimes a) the trials are not the focal point of the story and b) the trials feel repetitive. But neither was the case here! I loved the major role the trials/Decennial played and each trial felt unique. Also the plot twists kept coming and coming, and I didn't expect most of them, which is always great.
The only reason why I didn't give it five stars is I didn't like all of the characters. Irene almost irrationally irritated me. While I appreciated that the author wanted to show her ambition and her tendency to push people away...it gets to a point. She was so cutthroat, which usually wouldn't bother me. But it was the fact that she was so self-centered that got on my nerves. And a few of the other characters felt underdeveloped, though I loved Wren, August, and Masika. But I can't wait for the sequel—need it now!
Thank you so much to Get Underlined for sending me a copy of Immortal Consequences. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)
August 7, 2025
dnf 25%
this was so stupid i don't even know where to start and I listened to only 25% of this mess
1) what icked me the most since the beginning: we have 6 pov and all this 6 people are neatly divided into 3 couples since page 1 like???? are you serious? am I supposed to feel some chemistry between them, cus there was none
2) characters were dumb af:
- Wren- director's lap dog, praise kink, literally director tells her "you have sth other doesn't- kindness" and she's ready to do whatever he tells her??? Girl stand tf up
- August "he's so scary, everybody's afraid of him, students scatter when they see him in the corridors", but one comment from Wren and "she could see he was wounded"? yeah I'm shaking in my boots
and they are supposed to be academic rivals with that "great banter" that was so pathetic and forced and immature
- Emilio- he was so naive I wanted to shake some sense into him, they're literally in afterlife? limbo? whatever with magic and he's shaken that a chair moves by itself??? "but but it's a statue, it should not move"🥺🥺🥺 ARE YOU FOR REAL RIGHT NOW?????
- other guy with accent in audiobook who was losing memories? idk man i already lost MY memories about him
- Irene - another know it all, shoved it down my throat, she's the best, she knows best, "you're not special" I can'ttttt icked me bad
- and another girl who's besties with Irene also already forgot what she was doing
3) if there was any question about worldbuilding or magic the answer was "it's just how it is" ??? okey thanks for nothing
4) the writing style - I was listening to an audiobook, so I didn't see how the sentences looked, but it sounded like a lot of short sentences that were very repetitive and it didn't make for smooth listening experience at all
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
this was so stupid i don't even know where to start and I listened to only 25% of this mess
1) what icked me the most since the beginning: we have 6 pov and all this 6 people are neatly divided into 3 couples since page 1 like???? are you serious? am I supposed to feel some chemistry between them, cus there was none
2) characters were dumb af:
- Wren- director's lap dog, praise kink, literally director tells her "you have sth other doesn't- kindness" and she's ready to do whatever he tells her??? Girl stand tf up
- August "he's so scary, everybody's afraid of him, students scatter when they see him in the corridors", but one comment from Wren and "she could see he was wounded"? yeah I'm shaking in my boots
and they are supposed to be academic rivals with that "great banter" that was so pathetic and forced and immature
- Emilio- he was so naive I wanted to shake some sense into him, they're literally in afterlife? limbo? whatever with magic and he's shaken that a chair moves by itself??? "but but it's a statue, it should not move"🥺🥺🥺 ARE YOU FOR REAL RIGHT NOW?????
- other guy with accent in audiobook who was losing memories? idk man i already lost MY memories about him
- Irene - another know it all, shoved it down my throat, she's the best, she knows best, "you're not special" I can'ttttt icked me bad
- and another girl who's besties with Irene also already forgot what she was doing
3) if there was any question about worldbuilding or magic the answer was "it's just how it is" ??? okey thanks for nothing
4) the writing style - I was listening to an audiobook, so I didn't see how the sentences looked, but it sounded like a lot of short sentences that were very repetitive and it didn't make for smooth listening experience at all
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
December 16, 2025
ˋ°•*⁀➷ 4 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 .˚🌷𓍢˖˚🖤𓍢˖˚🕰️˚.
this was really good! it was so much fun buddy reading it with… ok I’m too lazy to list everyone 😭… the people in listed below! I loved the setting, the concept, and the characters, though there were some minor issues that prevent it from being 5 stars
» [the lakes- Taylor Swift] «
0:00 ─〇───── 4:00
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 🌷
౨ৎ Dark academia
౨ৎ Fantasy
౨ৎ Multiple POV
౨ৎ Rivals to lovers
౨ৎ Friends to lovers
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
ೃ⁀➷ 𝘗𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯
Ages 13+
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆���𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 🖤
౨ৎ Language- f*ck used a few times, minor swears used as well
౨ৎ Romance- kissing, I don’t think there’s anything else
౨ৎ Violence- death, injuries, blood, etc
౨ৎ Other- drinking, some mentions of drugs
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 🕰️
⤷ August- WHY IS HE SO HOT LIKE IM THIS CLOSE TO TRYING TO STEAL HIM FROM ISHY AGAIN (if you see this ishy, I swear this is a joke dont block me again)
⤷ Wren- I loved herrrr
⤷ Oliver- I loved him toooo, him and Emilio are literally so perfect together omg
⤷ Emilio- also amazing
⤷ Irene- ok so idk if I’m supposed to like her but i do lmao
⤷ Masika- another great character
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 🕯️
First of all, I absolutely loved the romance, especially Oliver and Emilio, their dynamic was amazing and it was just so cuteeee. But ofc I also loved august and wren
The dark academia setting was also incredible, and the writing style was great. It has a unique, original concept for the most part which I loved
I literally loved almost everything about it, but tbh I don’t really remember that much 😭 my memory is terrible, ok?
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 💌
First of all, I felt a few parts of it were very very similar to fourth wing, not quite plagiarism but I just felt some certain aspects of the plot were, well, the exact same. Most of it was very original though! I won’t get into the specifics of what it was as that would be huge spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read that book, but if you’ve read it you know what I mean
Also, it was just lacking that 5 star feeling, like it was great for sure but not my new favorite book. I would definitely recommend it though!
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
|🌷| post~read |🖤|
this was actually so good! and oml august is so hot 🤭
|🖤| pre~read |🌷|
This literally seems amazing, the exact type of book I love, and the cover and sprayed edges are gorgeous so I can’t wait to read it! and ive heard its dark academia fantasy which is my favorite genre?? omg I’m so excited aaaaand I’m buddy reading it with some of my favorite people!
୨ৎ kat
୨ৎ sara
୨ৎ mins
୨ৎ mania
୨ৎ si
୨ৎ may
୨ৎ sol
୨ৎ danny
୨ৎ lily
୨ৎ elle
୨ৎ and ishy
this was really good! it was so much fun buddy reading it with… ok I’m too lazy to list everyone 😭… the people in listed below! I loved the setting, the concept, and the characters, though there were some minor issues that prevent it from being 5 stars
» [the lakes- Taylor Swift] «
0:00 ─〇───── 4:00
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 🌷
౨ৎ Dark academia
౨ৎ Fantasy
౨ৎ Multiple POV
౨ৎ Rivals to lovers
౨ৎ Friends to lovers
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
ೃ⁀➷ 𝘗𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯
Ages 13+
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆���𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 🖤
౨ৎ Language- f*ck used a few times, minor swears used as well
౨ৎ Romance- kissing, I don’t think there’s anything else
౨ৎ Violence- death, injuries, blood, etc
౨ৎ Other- drinking, some mentions of drugs
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 🕰️
⤷ August- WHY IS HE SO HOT LIKE IM THIS CLOSE TO TRYING TO STEAL HIM FROM ISHY AGAIN (if you see this ishy, I swear this is a joke dont block me again)
⤷ Wren- I loved herrrr
⤷ Oliver- I loved him toooo, him and Emilio are literally so perfect together omg
⤷ Emilio- also amazing
⤷ Irene- ok so idk if I’m supposed to like her but i do lmao
⤷ Masika- another great character
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 🕯️
First of all, I absolutely loved the romance, especially Oliver and Emilio, their dynamic was amazing and it was just so cuteeee. But ofc I also loved august and wren
The dark academia setting was also incredible, and the writing style was great. It has a unique, original concept for the most part which I loved
I literally loved almost everything about it, but tbh I don’t really remember that much 😭 my memory is terrible, ok?
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 💌
First of all, I felt a few parts of it were very very similar to fourth wing, not quite plagiarism but I just felt some certain aspects of the plot were, well, the exact same. Most of it was very original though! I won’t get into the specifics of what it was as that would be huge spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read that book, but if you’ve read it you know what I mean
Also, it was just lacking that 5 star feeling, like it was great for sure but not my new favorite book. I would definitely recommend it though!
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
|🌷| post~read |🖤|
this was actually so good! and oml august is so hot 🤭
|🖤| pre~read |🌷|
This literally seems amazing, the exact type of book I love, and the cover and sprayed edges are gorgeous so I can’t wait to read it! and ive heard its dark academia fantasy which is my favorite genre?? omg I’m so excited aaaaand I’m buddy reading it with some of my favorite people!
୨ৎ kat
୨ৎ sara
୨ৎ mins
୨ৎ mania
୨ৎ si
୨ৎ may
୨ৎ sol
୨ৎ danny
୨ৎ lily
୨ৎ elle
୨ৎ and ishy
September 24, 2025
3.5 ★— I love supernatural academy settings and went into this book wanting engaging character dynamics, vivid world-building, and some solid mystery elements connected to the insanely cool premise of a school for the undead that forces students to compete against each other to escape their purgatory state.
While the book tried to deliver on all this, it all didn’t feel fleshed out enough for me, and I think a lot of this stems from the story having too many POV characters.
There’s Wren, August, Emilio, Olivier, Masika, and Irene — that’s six characters! This might just be personal preference, since I’m someone who doesn’t love POV counts that exceed four, but here it felt especially apparent that the sheer number of narrators made it hard for me to form a deeper connection to the plot and stakes.
With six POV characters and a limited page count, there’s just no way to make a reader care about everyone. I, for one, mostly cared about Wren and August, who had a tension-filled, prickly rivals/friends-to-lovers dynamic, and couldn’t bring myself to fully invest in the other characters’ backstories or internal struggles. Their arcs simply felt less compelling and less immersive to follow.
On top of that, I also felt like the magic system and powers themselves weren’t very developed, which made the world feel less interesting than it could have been.
I wish the author had narrowed the focus to a smaller core cast and made the others supporting characters (maybe with occasional POV chapters). That would have left more room to deepen the worldbuilding, flesh out the powers, and give weight to crucial character moments and backgrounds.
Still, anyone looking for a fun, not-too-complex YA fantasy academy setting with a touch of romance will likely enjoy this book.
__________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
While the book tried to deliver on all this, it all didn’t feel fleshed out enough for me, and I think a lot of this stems from the story having too many POV characters.
There’s Wren, August, Emilio, Olivier, Masika, and Irene — that’s six characters! This might just be personal preference, since I’m someone who doesn’t love POV counts that exceed four, but here it felt especially apparent that the sheer number of narrators made it hard for me to form a deeper connection to the plot and stakes.
With six POV characters and a limited page count, there’s just no way to make a reader care about everyone. I, for one, mostly cared about Wren and August, who had a tension-filled, prickly rivals/friends-to-lovers dynamic, and couldn’t bring myself to fully invest in the other characters’ backstories or internal struggles. Their arcs simply felt less compelling and less immersive to follow.
On top of that, I also felt like the magic system and powers themselves weren’t very developed, which made the world feel less interesting than it could have been.
I wish the author had narrowed the focus to a smaller core cast and made the others supporting characters (maybe with occasional POV chapters). That would have left more room to deepen the worldbuilding, flesh out the powers, and give weight to crucial character moments and backgrounds.
Still, anyone looking for a fun, not-too-complex YA fantasy academy setting with a touch of romance will likely enjoy this book.
__________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2025
໑ ▸ 3.75 stars
౨ৎ my thought
first of all huge grazie to my beautifull kristal that have read this book with me! go check her review!!
i've finally finish this book! WOW, the finale was sooo good, i want the next book like now!
I have to admit that the first half of the book didn't really excited me, i was not THAT in love with the book . But i continue reading and it starts to be better and better and i ate it up the last parts.
It is in general a very fast paced book but i wasn't connected at the begginning so it took me a second to be that in the story but it happen and i love it.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel because the level of craftsmanship is astounding. Iv Marie builds her world and characters with such ease that it feels like she’s been writing for a lifetime. While the book features six distinct points of view—a potentially daunting number—the pacing is handled so well that adjusting to it felt surprisingly natural.
The entire ensemble cast was outstanding. Every character brought unique, intricate ambitions to the story, keeping things engaging and layered. I’m genuinely thrilled to see where the next installment takes them. That being said, Wren and August completely stole my heart right from the beginning. Their execution of the academic rivals-to-lovers trope was nothing short of perfection. The tension, yearning, and masterfully drawn-out slow burn were just brilliant.
And then, there’s the ending—which utterly wrecked me. Safe to say, I didn’t see that twist coming at all. I’ll be counting the days until the sequel is out, and fingers crossed the wait isn’t too long!
♡ pre-reading
start: 05/11/25
finish: 08/11/25
I want to read this book since forever, i remeber saw a post of the author where she give the plot and the tropes and be like OMG I LOVE THAT BOOK and then realising that this book was not event came out yet. I waited and finally carmelo bring this book to us! love you really. I cant' wait to dive compleatly blind (i only know that the character are like dead ? i think)
anyway I have great expectations and hope i would not be disappointed by it
౨ৎ my thought
first of all huge grazie to my beautifull kristal that have read this book with me! go check her review!!
i've finally finish this book! WOW, the finale was sooo good, i want the next book like now!
I have to admit that the first half of the book didn't really excited me, i was not THAT in love with the book . But i continue reading and it starts to be better and better and i ate it up the last parts.
It is in general a very fast paced book but i wasn't connected at the begginning so it took me a second to be that in the story but it happen and i love it.
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel because the level of craftsmanship is astounding. Iv Marie builds her world and characters with such ease that it feels like she’s been writing for a lifetime. While the book features six distinct points of view—a potentially daunting number—the pacing is handled so well that adjusting to it felt surprisingly natural.
The entire ensemble cast was outstanding. Every character brought unique, intricate ambitions to the story, keeping things engaging and layered. I’m genuinely thrilled to see where the next installment takes them. That being said, Wren and August completely stole my heart right from the beginning. Their execution of the academic rivals-to-lovers trope was nothing short of perfection. The tension, yearning, and masterfully drawn-out slow burn were just brilliant.
And then, there’s the ending—which utterly wrecked me. Safe to say, I didn’t see that twist coming at all. I’ll be counting the days until the sequel is out, and fingers crossed the wait isn’t too long!
♡ pre-reading
start: 05/11/25
finish: 08/11/25
I want to read this book since forever, i remeber saw a post of the author where she give the plot and the tropes and be like OMG I LOVE THAT BOOK and then realising that this book was not event came out yet. I waited and finally carmelo bring this book to us! love you really. I cant' wait to dive compleatly blind (i only know that the character are like dead ? i think)
anyway I have great expectations and hope i would not be disappointed by it
September 11, 2025
3.5. The heavy oak doors 🚪 groan open with a reluctant creak, revealing the ancient hall, cathedral like, beyond.
You step over the threshold.
Above, the vaulted ceiling looms like some strange, ancient beast, its arches tracing intricate Gothic patterns. The very stone, those hoary walls; seems weathered by centuries of whispered secrets.
Now you hear from the book📕: “Enchanted sparklers 🥳🎉 hovered in the air, miniature fireworks 🧨 exploding every few seconds. An elevated platform sat at the far end of the hall, adorned with six chairs 🪑, one for each Housemaster. A dark wooden podium stood at the front of the stage, lined with golden runes shimmering with ancient magic 🪄. Behind the podium loomed an imposing throne made from rich mahogany, the Blackwood emblem carved into the backrest. Glittering candelabras flickering with inky flames and a black lace runner decorated each dining table, falling over the mahogany like translucent cobwebs. A large upright piano 🎹 and a violin 🎻 played a haunting classical tune, though nobody was actually playing them. The keys and strings moved on their own, the violin suspended in the air, as though they were being played by ghosts 👻.”
You’re at the banquet of Blackwood Academy, where the world lies between the living and the other side.
*…•…***•***…•…***•****…•...***•***…•…***•***…•…*
It sometimes plunged into black holes 🕳️ after the 55%. If you endure to survive 😬and not DNF, it does have its moments.Even so; the plot at times, really makes zero sense.
✔️ A fast-paced, veryYA fantasy
✔️ Strong dark academia vibes
✔️ Nice magical world-building
▫️ ~ 14-hour audiobook
🔻 A bit annoying with six rotating POVs
🔻tons of “I don’t love you; but I totally do” conversations 🙄
You step over the threshold.
Above, the vaulted ceiling looms like some strange, ancient beast, its arches tracing intricate Gothic patterns. The very stone, those hoary walls; seems weathered by centuries of whispered secrets.
Now you hear from the book📕: “Enchanted sparklers 🥳🎉 hovered in the air, miniature fireworks 🧨 exploding every few seconds. An elevated platform sat at the far end of the hall, adorned with six chairs 🪑, one for each Housemaster. A dark wooden podium stood at the front of the stage, lined with golden runes shimmering with ancient magic 🪄. Behind the podium loomed an imposing throne made from rich mahogany, the Blackwood emblem carved into the backrest. Glittering candelabras flickering with inky flames and a black lace runner decorated each dining table, falling over the mahogany like translucent cobwebs. A large upright piano 🎹 and a violin 🎻 played a haunting classical tune, though nobody was actually playing them. The keys and strings moved on their own, the violin suspended in the air, as though they were being played by ghosts 👻.”
You’re at the banquet of Blackwood Academy, where the world lies between the living and the other side.
*…•…***•***…•…***•****…•...***•***…•…***•***…•…*
It sometimes plunged into black holes 🕳️ after the 55%. If you endure to survive 😬and not DNF, it does have its moments.Even so; the plot at times, really makes zero sense.
✔️ A fast-paced, veryYA fantasy
✔️ Strong dark academia vibes
✔️ Nice magical world-building
▫️ ~ 14-hour audiobook
🔻 A bit annoying with six rotating POVs
🔻tons of “I don’t love you; but I totally do” conversations 🙄
July 14, 2025
I’m unsure whether I read this book or injected it straight into my veins because I consumed it so wholly, it may very well be in my bloodstream.
I had a grand time reading Immortal Consequences! It’s everything the dark academia fans love, but with a paranormal spin that leaves us in the limbo world of the dead. With various secrets and mysteries to unravel, it’s a constant page turner and one I couldn’t put down. I read 150 pages, and then I read the rest in what felt like a single breath because I don’t think I looked up once the whole time. I was entirely consumed by Blackwood Academy and its occupants.
And what a ragtag group they are! This character driven story is one that never failed to keep me amused, its character POVs seamlessly woven together in a way that seemed effortless. I found myself laughing at their quips and snark, and I genuinely just loved the dynamics at play through this book. I was sad to leave our group come the end!
With trails, a dark academia edge and a ghostly mystery to keep you going, this is easily one of my newest obsessions. Reminiscent of The Atlas Six and The Raven Boys, Immortal Consequences will be a lure to readers longing for secrets amongst a motley crew again.
[Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc of this book!]
I had a grand time reading Immortal Consequences! It’s everything the dark academia fans love, but with a paranormal spin that leaves us in the limbo world of the dead. With various secrets and mysteries to unravel, it’s a constant page turner and one I couldn’t put down. I read 150 pages, and then I read the rest in what felt like a single breath because I don’t think I looked up once the whole time. I was entirely consumed by Blackwood Academy and its occupants.
And what a ragtag group they are! This character driven story is one that never failed to keep me amused, its character POVs seamlessly woven together in a way that seemed effortless. I found myself laughing at their quips and snark, and I genuinely just loved the dynamics at play through this book. I was sad to leave our group come the end!
With trails, a dark academia edge and a ghostly mystery to keep you going, this is easily one of my newest obsessions. Reminiscent of The Atlas Six and The Raven Boys, Immortal Consequences will be a lure to readers longing for secrets amongst a motley crew again.
[Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc of this book!]
Want to read
January 19, 2024tension and rivals to lovers?! sign me up
September 29, 2025
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
╰› (⭐4.75)
⋆｡°✩ 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍
omg this was so fun??? what the heck??
genuinely in disbelief that this is the author's debut novel? i had so much fun with this 😭💞
overall, the best way i can describe this book is "the hunger games but set in hogwarts". obviously not actually... set in hogwarts... but the dark academia magical school vibes were SO GOOD!! 🥹💖
(and i'm glad it's not actually hogwarts because j.k. rowling would've deprived us of the yearning between two boys that actually fuelled my love for this book and spurred me on.)
⋆｡°✩ 𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒕
the plot was so interesting! the concept was honestly so imaginative - a school in the afterlife for technically ghost kids? a competition for LITERAL life or death (or... rather... death or DEATH death...)???
i'm in LOVE.
while the POV switched up almost constantly, i was never lost or confused - each of these characters had such a well-painted image in my mind, and the story flowed really nicely! the pacing was super fast and gripping, while maintaining the depth and tension.
it's been a hot minute since i've sat down and just binged a book because i couldn't look away. like usually, my mind drifts and i pick up my phone or i put on a youtube video or i pick up another book - but in this case, i literally read 200 pages in one sitting - TWICE. that is super rare for me, and i didn't know it could happen with a dark academia book, but i honestly was DEVOUUUURING THIS. 😋😋😋
⋆｡°✩ 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
𝘸𝘳𝘦𝘯 + 𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 ⭑.ᐟ 🧡
WREN AND AUGUST ARE SO ENDGAME TRUSTTTT TRUST ME ON THIS ONE PLEASE PLE-
i really loved these two so much 🥹💖 they were so cutesy (they kept trying to kill each other).
i'm so, SO excited to see what happens to them in the next book, especially with the way that this one left off! i feel like there's still so much more of august's past that we haven't even BRUSHED upon, and i really think he could be such a deep, complex character if he gets a little more development!
and same goes for wren - we've barely touched on her past and her life before coming to blackwood, and i really can't wait to see where she takes us next hehe 🤭🤭
𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦 + 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘬𝘢 ⭑.ᐟ 💜
okay, honestly, for the majority of this book, i didn't really like irene or masika that much. masika was just kinda okay, but i was rooting against irene for a bit 😔
i understand the motives and emotions behind her actions, but GOD she frustrated me at times!! i would've loved to see some character arc and development for her in this book but sadly she was pretty flat for me.
masika didn't feel developed much, and while we got to dive into her past a bit, i felt like she kind of took a bit of a backseat when it came to the six POV's. she wasn't very distinct, and she was kinda just there. not to say she was a badly written character or anything, i just didn't feel much of a connection to her because i was too busy obsessing over wrenaugust and oliviemilio 🤭💞
𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘳 + 𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘰 ⭑.ᐟ 💚
AUGHHH MY SHAYLASSSS 😭😭😭💗💗💗
i absolutely ADORED olivier and emilio omg... the way i was begging them to get together UGHHH
the amount of emotional connection i developed to these two characters should be STUDIED.
if i don't get enough olivier and emilio content in the next book (whenever it comes out 😔) then i will lay down on the ground, curl up into a ball and cry. (i'd honestly probably do that anyways but you know. dramatic effect.)
olivier's motives and desperation? his sassy quips? his frenchness? i love him. he's such a cutie patootie omg 😭💗
EMILIO? HE WAS THE CUTEST PATOOTIE OF ALL TIME 😭💖 i wanna sob thinking about him because UGHHH DO NOT SCARE ME LIKE THAT RIGHT AT THE END. OMG. 💞
⋆｡°✩ 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
the only thing that was a bit off was the writing - and obviously, it's marketed as a young adult fantasy, so this was kinda to be expected - as it was pretty juvenile, in my opinion. clearly, it didn't ruin the book or impact my enjoyment, it was just a little confusing, as this writing style with the content of this book seemed a little mismatched. i feel like this book could've seriously benefited from a little more of a nuanced writing style, especially with some of the more grueling topics and scenes. this didn't make the book unreadable or anything, i just feel like that was the littlest missing piece in the puzzle that could've made it a 5 star for me!
but of course, what do i know? reading is so subjective and this singular exact issue i had with the book could've been someone else's final push to make it a five star.
so, as always, take what i'm saying with a grain of salt, as this is just my opinion 💞
⋆｡°✩ 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔
i think i've yapped about this book enough, but honestly (dare me to say honestly one more time. omfg. i've said it about 345 times in this review alone.) i'm so glad i picked it up and i'm so excited for the next book! hope we get a release date soon because BELIEVE ME I WILL BE MARKING MY CALENDAR ☝️
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
☆彡pre-read:
i am a SUCKER for these goodreads achievements. anyways. this one seems so interesting ahhh 🤭🤭
╰› (⭐4.75)
⋆｡°✩ 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍
omg this was so fun??? what the heck??
genuinely in disbelief that this is the author's debut novel? i had so much fun with this 😭💞
overall, the best way i can describe this book is "the hunger games but set in hogwarts". obviously not actually... set in hogwarts... but the dark academia magical school vibes were SO GOOD!! 🥹💖
(and i'm glad it's not actually hogwarts because j.k. rowling would've deprived us of the yearning between two boys that actually fuelled my love for this book and spurred me on.)
⋆｡°✩ 𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒕
the plot was so interesting! the concept was honestly so imaginative - a school in the afterlife for technically ghost kids? a competition for LITERAL life or death (or... rather... death or DEATH death...)???
i'm in LOVE.
while the POV switched up almost constantly, i was never lost or confused - each of these characters had such a well-painted image in my mind, and the story flowed really nicely! the pacing was super fast and gripping, while maintaining the depth and tension.
it's been a hot minute since i've sat down and just binged a book because i couldn't look away. like usually, my mind drifts and i pick up my phone or i put on a youtube video or i pick up another book - but in this case, i literally read 200 pages in one sitting - TWICE. that is super rare for me, and i didn't know it could happen with a dark academia book, but i honestly was DEVOUUUURING THIS. 😋😋😋
⋆｡°✩ 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
𝘸𝘳𝘦𝘯 + 𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 ⭑.ᐟ 🧡
WREN AND AUGUST ARE SO ENDGAME TRUSTTTT TRUST ME ON THIS ONE PLEASE PLE-
i really loved these two so much 🥹💖 they were so cutesy (they kept trying to kill each other).
i'm so, SO excited to see what happens to them in the next book, especially with the way that this one left off! i feel like there's still so much more of august's past that we haven't even BRUSHED upon, and i really think he could be such a deep, complex character if he gets a little more development!
and same goes for wren - we've barely touched on her past and her life before coming to blackwood, and i really can't wait to see where she takes us next hehe 🤭🤭
𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦 + 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘬𝘢 ⭑.ᐟ 💜
okay, honestly, for the majority of this book, i didn't really like irene or masika that much. masika was just kinda okay, but i was rooting against irene for a bit 😔
i understand the motives and emotions behind her actions, but GOD she frustrated me at times!! i would've loved to see some character arc and development for her in this book but sadly she was pretty flat for me.
masika didn't feel developed much, and while we got to dive into her past a bit, i felt like she kind of took a bit of a backseat when it came to the six POV's. she wasn't very distinct, and she was kinda just there. not to say she was a badly written character or anything, i just didn't feel much of a connection to her because i was too busy obsessing over wrenaugust and oliviemilio 🤭💞
𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘳 + 𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘰 ⭑.ᐟ 💚
AUGHHH MY SHAYLASSSS 😭😭😭💗💗💗
i absolutely ADORED olivier and emilio omg... the way i was begging them to get together UGHHH
the amount of emotional connection i developed to these two characters should be STUDIED.
if i don't get enough olivier and emilio content in the next book (whenever it comes out 😔) then i will lay down on the ground, curl up into a ball and cry. (i'd honestly probably do that anyways but you know. dramatic effect.)
olivier's motives and desperation? his sassy quips? his frenchness? i love him. he's such a cutie patootie omg 😭💗
EMILIO? HE WAS THE CUTEST PATOOTIE OF ALL TIME 😭💖 i wanna sob thinking about him because UGHHH DO NOT SCARE ME LIKE THAT RIGHT AT THE END. OMG. 💞
⋆｡°✩ 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
the only thing that was a bit off was the writing - and obviously, it's marketed as a young adult fantasy, so this was kinda to be expected - as it was pretty juvenile, in my opinion. clearly, it didn't ruin the book or impact my enjoyment, it was just a little confusing, as this writing style with the content of this book seemed a little mismatched. i feel like this book could've seriously benefited from a little more of a nuanced writing style, especially with some of the more grueling topics and scenes. this didn't make the book unreadable or anything, i just feel like that was the littlest missing piece in the puzzle that could've made it a 5 star for me!
but of course, what do i know? reading is so subjective and this singular exact issue i had with the book could've been someone else's final push to make it a five star.
so, as always, take what i'm saying with a grain of salt, as this is just my opinion 💞
⋆｡°✩ 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔
i think i've yapped about this book enough, but honestly (dare me to say honestly one more time. omfg. i've said it about 345 times in this review alone.) i'm so glad i picked it up and i'm so excited for the next book! hope we get a release date soon because BELIEVE ME I WILL BE MARKING MY CALENDAR ☝️
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
☆彡pre-read:
i am a SUCKER for these goodreads achievements. anyways. this one seems so interesting ahhh 🤭🤭
Read
November 20, 2025⋆ ⊹ ⋆ ⋮ ⌗ ᴘʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ★┆ ˎˊ˗
i've been wanting to read this book for so long, and i'm beyond excited to be reading it with my favorite people (this is also the biggest br in the history of brs so wish us luck 😭) <3
⤷ ゛ reading with: ┆ ⋆ ⊹ ⋆
⟢ ꜱᴀʀᴀ
⊹ ᴍɪɴꜱ
⟢ ᴍᴀɴɪ
⊹ ʟɪʟʏ
⟢ ᴀᴠᴇꜱ
⊹ ᴍᴀʏʜᴇᴍ
⟢ ꜱᴏʟ
⊹ ꜱɪ
⟢ ᴅᴀɴɴʏ
⊹ ᴍᴇʟʟʏ
i love you all sm, we're gonna have the best time <3
┆ ┆ ┆ ┆ ┆
┆ ┆ ࣪ ˖☆ ࣪⭑┆ ݁˖ .☆ . ݁ ˖
☆⊹ ࣪ ┆ ˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ★ ⋆.˚ ⊹ ࣪
࣪ ˖⋆˚★ ₊ ⊹ ࣪˖ ࣪ ₊ ࣪ ˖
. ݁ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ࣪ ˖
. ݁ ݁
.
i've been wanting to read this book for so long, and i'm beyond excited to be reading it with my favorite people (this is also the biggest br in the history of brs so wish us luck 😭) <3
⤷ ゛ reading with: ┆ ⋆ ⊹ ⋆
⟢ ꜱᴀʀᴀ
⊹ ᴍɪɴꜱ
⟢ ᴍᴀɴɪ
⊹ ʟɪʟʏ
⟢ ᴀᴠᴇꜱ
⊹ ᴍᴀʏʜᴇᴍ
⟢ ꜱᴏʟ
⊹ ꜱɪ
⟢ ᴅᴀɴɴʏ
⊹ ᴍᴇʟʟʏ
i love you all sm, we're gonna have the best time <3
┆ ┆ ┆ ┆ ┆
┆ ┆ ࣪ ˖☆ ࣪⭑┆ ݁˖ .☆ . ݁ ˖
☆⊹ ࣪ ┆ ˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ★ ⋆.˚ ⊹ ࣪
࣪ ˖⋆˚★ ₊ ⊹ ࣪˖ ࣪ ₊ ࣪ ˖
. ݁ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ࣪ ˖
. ݁ ݁
.
October 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I usually don’t read YA books. I started this one and it was like a breath of fresh air in my life 😀.
So this one was Dark Academia and surprisingly it was pretty original. Fast paced and quick. I loved the multiple POVs! The only problem with those is you are bound to have a favorite😀. Obviously my favorite is August❤️.
There was no smut but there was yearning and tension and that is fine.
I couldn’t predict the ending and I was flabbergasted!
I usually don’t read YA books. I started this one and it was like a breath of fresh air in my life 😀.
So this one was Dark Academia and surprisingly it was pretty original. Fast paced and quick. I loved the multiple POVs! The only problem with those is you are bound to have a favorite😀. Obviously my favorite is August❤️.
There was no smut but there was yearning and tension and that is fine.
I couldn’t predict the ending and I was flabbergasted!
December 20, 2025
We are just going to ignore all the other books I’m in the middle of bc my Libby hold for this is expiring 🫡
August 3, 2025
Alright, if you liked this or enjoyed this in anyway, please look away now. This will be your only warning.
This is a glorified work of fanfiction with very little worldbuilding and sparse to NO character building. Exactly how you would expect an average fanfic written with established characters, 2-3 ships, and a different setting from its original source material.
It was boring. It was flavorless. The only POSSIBLE thing going for this was an interesting premise and plot but honestly even that felt underwhelming and disappointing. I had so many questions about the world, the school, and how everything worked but most of those questions were never answered and in fact were replaced by even more questions.
One of the writing decisions that boggles my mind the most was the fact that it had 6 POVs. This did NOT need 6 POVs. Maybe 2-3 at MOST. The other POVs really added nothing to the story and just made it more boring and repetitive. In reality there was only 2 main characters that made sense with different POVs. If you're going to do multiple POVs, you need to make sure your character building is there because if not, people will play favorites and want to skip the more underdeveloped characters.
Speaking of characters... The main reason I enjoy reading is for the characters. I am a character-driven reader. There was very little difference in personality between most of these characters and I never felt myself immerse with them nor get attached to them by the end. They were flat and felt very same-y save maybe 2 or 3 (barely). You have all these different people from different cultures and walks of life but if you were to remove the names of any of their chapters, it would take you a bit to realize which POV was actually speaking. They were basically cookie-cutter versions of themselves but oh this guy was French, this guy is British... with very little else going on that makes them who they were.
Now... as this was advertised as a romance... romantasy, I'll get into that. The main romance actually felt like it had some chemistry in the beginning and was going somewhere. Until it didn't. The rivals to lovers bit was not really rivals to lovers. More like, two people attached to the hip with crushes they never admitted to that begrudgingly admit to it later out of the blue? Zero build up whatsoever. It felt very underwhelming and disappointing.
I guess I overhyped myself for this because I was just expecting so much more and ended up disappointing myself in the meantime. The premise sounded absolutely amazing and so cool! It could have gone a million different directions but this was just not it. I would have DNF'd this at around 30-40% but I bought the book for this and I wanted to see if any of my worldbuilding questions would ever get answered but alas, I guess I wasted my time.
But hey if you enjoyed this, try Five Broken Blades. It had a similar style in how it was set up but similar problems (in my opinion).
As for me, now I have to figure out what I am doing with my physical copy. I guess I got bamboozled by the beautiful cover and sprayed edges... sigh.
1.75/5
This is a glorified work of fanfiction with very little worldbuilding and sparse to NO character building. Exactly how you would expect an average fanfic written with established characters, 2-3 ships, and a different setting from its original source material.
It was boring. It was flavorless. The only POSSIBLE thing going for this was an interesting premise and plot but honestly even that felt underwhelming and disappointing. I had so many questions about the world, the school, and how everything worked but most of those questions were never answered and in fact were replaced by even more questions.
One of the writing decisions that boggles my mind the most was the fact that it had 6 POVs. This did NOT need 6 POVs. Maybe 2-3 at MOST. The other POVs really added nothing to the story and just made it more boring and repetitive. In reality there was only 2 main characters that made sense with different POVs. If you're going to do multiple POVs, you need to make sure your character building is there because if not, people will play favorites and want to skip the more underdeveloped characters.
Speaking of characters... The main reason I enjoy reading is for the characters. I am a character-driven reader. There was very little difference in personality between most of these characters and I never felt myself immerse with them nor get attached to them by the end. They were flat and felt very same-y save maybe 2 or 3 (barely). You have all these different people from different cultures and walks of life but if you were to remove the names of any of their chapters, it would take you a bit to realize which POV was actually speaking. They were basically cookie-cutter versions of themselves but oh this guy was French, this guy is British... with very little else going on that makes them who they were.
Now... as this was advertised as a romance... romantasy, I'll get into that. The main romance actually felt like it had some chemistry in the beginning and was going somewhere. Until it didn't. The rivals to lovers bit was not really rivals to lovers. More like, two people attached to the hip with crushes they never admitted to that begrudgingly admit to it later out of the blue? Zero build up whatsoever. It felt very underwhelming and disappointing.
I guess I overhyped myself for this because I was just expecting so much more and ended up disappointing myself in the meantime. The premise sounded absolutely amazing and so cool! It could have gone a million different directions but this was just not it. I would have DNF'd this at around 30-40% but I bought the book for this and I wanted to see if any of my worldbuilding questions would ever get answered but alas, I guess I wasted my time.
But hey if you enjoyed this, try Five Broken Blades. It had a similar style in how it was set up but similar problems (in my opinion).
As for me, now I have to figure out what I am doing with my physical copy. I guess I got bamboozled by the beautiful cover and sprayed edges... sigh.
1.75/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
4.5 stars
🐈⬛ ˚｡
the fact that this is a debut novel is… insane? iv marie crafts her world and characters so effortlessly, it genuinely feels like she’s been writing her entire life. this book does have 6 povs which can be intimidating, but i found the pacing worked well and i got used to it pretty easily.
the entire cast was amazing! each character had such complex and interesting goals and i’m really excited to see how things play out in the next book. that said, wren and august definitely stole my heart from page one. i can’t even stress how perfectly they nailed the academic rivals to lovers trope. the tension, yearning, and slow burn were absolutely phenomenal.
so um, that ending ruined my life. i really did not expect that twist at all 😭 i will be first in line for the sequel and hopefully the wait won’t be too long!
the fact that this is a debut novel is… insane? iv marie crafts her world and characters so effortlessly, it genuinely feels like she’s been writing her entire life. this book does have 6 povs which can be intimidating, but i found the pacing worked well and i got used to it pretty easily.
the entire cast was amazing! each character had such complex and interesting goals and i’m really excited to see how things play out in the next book. that said, wren and august definitely stole my heart from page one. i can’t even stress how perfectly they nailed the academic rivals to lovers trope. the tension, yearning, and slow burn were absolutely phenomenal.
so um, that ending ruined my life. i really did not expect that twist at all 😭 i will be first in line for the sequel and hopefully the wait won’t be too long!
August 15, 2025
"it was why they tormented each other mercilessly, desperate to find ways to somehow, despite everything, still feel alive."
— four point two five stars
would i recommend this book? definitely!
trigger warnings: violence/light gore.
what a fantastic first novel for i.v. marie. like genuinely, i am extremely impressed. i wasn't too sure what to expect when i had preordered this. unlike some people, i wasn't familiar with the author or her bookish content, and i honestly just bought it because i thought it looked pretty. a sin, i know, because i didn't even read the synopsis when i purchased it, so i literally had no clue what to expect. i think, though, that this novel definitely blew my expectations out of the water.
immortal consequences follows six students—wren, august, olivier, emilio, irene, and masika—at blackwood academy, an academy for dead people where they learn to harness their magic in order to reap souls, and to pass the time before they begin to forget all of their memories. students are promised, though, one chance at beating the forgetting with the decennial, a trial where one student is nominated and has to prove their skills in reaping and their magical abilities in order to become ascended (or cross to the "other side", which no one has done before.)
given the premise, i was a bit skeptical, because six povs sounded entirely overwhelming and too much to follow and keep up with, but i ended up pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too hard to distinguish each character from each other. i would usually delve into some character analysis here, but because of the six alternating povs and the side characters, i truly just don't feel like doing that. sorry y'all. but i do have personal likes (and dislikes) when it comes to all six of our main characters and how their arcs and development were handled, so i'll dive into that instead.
to change it up a little bit, i'll start with my gripes on how character development was handled. because of how many povs there were, it was challenging for the author to truly flesh out every single character. for that reason, characters such as olivier and masika felt brushed past in terms of development, both of them feeling quite 2d rather than fleshed out like their counterparts. even emilie toed the line between 2d and proper characterization, finding himself to become more of the "shy boy" trope rather than an actual character, but because he held more weight in the plot, he had just a liiiiittle more development than masika or olivier.
it is incredibly obvious who the main characters of the story were given a few specific plot points, and i almost wish the story would have just been told from their povs rather than all six of them, as we likely could have seen more character development from wren, august, and irene in that case and have been given more reasoning to care about them all individually. in fact, out of every character, the only one we get a concrete backstory for is wren, which i think can be seen as both a detriment to the other characters and a plus for solidifying wren as the true main character in this story.
however, on that same point, i actually did kind of enjoy the mystery behind the characters "alive" lives and their afterlives. the fact that they were all apprehensive to talk about who they were when they were alive gave all the characters a sense of rebirth, a second chance if you will. (which this is why i liked irene's character so much, despite my previous gripes.) i also enjoyed how their past lives and their past decisions haunted the narrative—for example, the bad thing that wren did whilst she was alive (which i'm omitting for spoiler purposes, obviously) was her entire driving force, and it did make me gasp when it was finally revealed.
on the same vein, though, i do wish our villain character was better developed as well, because though he was downright despicable, the fact that one of the "parts" of the book was titled betrayal, but we didn't actually spend enough time with our villain previously to truly feel betrayed by him impacted the weight of the story, in my opinion. i do think he was an interesting antagonist, and i enjoyed the backstory we got for him, but it also failed to truly carry any actual weight outside of shock value because of a. how underdeveloped his relationship with the other characters was and b. the explanation felt brushed past because of how much else was going on in the story.
now i also realize that up until this point it reads as though i didn't like this book, but that's not the case. i promise. sometimes i just tend to be overcritical about things i truly enjoy, which sounds insane i know, but it also just means i spent more time analyzing every page.
the plot itself, as i briefly mentioned above, is interesting enough. i was intrigued to see how the author would handle a topic as ambitious and difficult to truly define as the afterlife and how she would put her own unique spin on it, and in truth i wasn't left feeling disappointed. i actually quite enjoyed her explanation for blackwood academy and how people were chosen for it (i'm not sure if this would be a spoiler, but i'm not going to mention it just in case. it was revealed in like the first hundred pages though?) and i felt that the worldbuilding was really solid. i was easily able to envision blackwood, the ether, and so on.
the pacing is where the story lost me just a bit, because i do think it toed the line between being too fast and too slow, as if the story didn't know how it wanted to progress. there were some time skips that kinda made the flow of the story a bit choppy, but nothing too bad that it made reading the book impossible or anything like that.
my main thing with the plot is that there is so much going on that it is very easy to get lost. i.v. marie obviously had a lot of ideas, and she was very ambitious in trying to tackle them all, so it was easy to get overwhelmed, and a lot of plot points didn't have enough time to settle or breathe before we were immediately whisked to another earth-shattering twist. however!!! i think that the chaos actually helped the story, rather than hindered it, because i feel like a story about the afterlife and a competition for eternal power should be chaotic. if the story had less things going on, it may have been easier to digest, but it would have lost a lot of its charm and what actually made the story interesting, if that makes any sort of sense.
i do wish, too, that we would have gotten to see the magic system more fleshed out. we weren't given much of an explanation on how any of it works or how people get their powers after they die (and quite frankly we didn't get enough scenes actually in classes, because i think that if we had, the magic system would have felt more full to me.) however, i did enjoy that most of the characters had a type of magic that they specialized in. just some of the uses of magic felt choppy because the system itself was poorly explained.
enough of my rambling though. i'm angry this ended on a cliffhanger and i have to wait for the next book because who knooooows when that'll be... but despite my gripes and over-analysis, i did find this book to be quite good, especially for a debut novel. i truly do hope the second book is even stronger than the first as i.v. marie finds her narrative voice and writing style, and i absolutely will be seated to see it.
— four point two five stars
would i recommend this book? definitely!
trigger warnings: violence/light gore.
what a fantastic first novel for i.v. marie. like genuinely, i am extremely impressed. i wasn't too sure what to expect when i had preordered this. unlike some people, i wasn't familiar with the author or her bookish content, and i honestly just bought it because i thought it looked pretty. a sin, i know, because i didn't even read the synopsis when i purchased it, so i literally had no clue what to expect. i think, though, that this novel definitely blew my expectations out of the water.
immortal consequences follows six students—wren, august, olivier, emilio, irene, and masika—at blackwood academy, an academy for dead people where they learn to harness their magic in order to reap souls, and to pass the time before they begin to forget all of their memories. students are promised, though, one chance at beating the forgetting with the decennial, a trial where one student is nominated and has to prove their skills in reaping and their magical abilities in order to become ascended (or cross to the "other side", which no one has done before.)
given the premise, i was a bit skeptical, because six povs sounded entirely overwhelming and too much to follow and keep up with, but i ended up pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too hard to distinguish each character from each other. i would usually delve into some character analysis here, but because of the six alternating povs and the side characters, i truly just don't feel like doing that. sorry y'all. but i do have personal likes (and dislikes) when it comes to all six of our main characters and how their arcs and development were handled, so i'll dive into that instead.
to change it up a little bit, i'll start with my gripes on how character development was handled. because of how many povs there were, it was challenging for the author to truly flesh out every single character. for that reason, characters such as olivier and masika felt brushed past in terms of development, both of them feeling quite 2d rather than fleshed out like their counterparts. even emilie toed the line between 2d and proper characterization, finding himself to become more of the "shy boy" trope rather than an actual character, but because he held more weight in the plot, he had just a liiiiittle more development than masika or olivier.
it is incredibly obvious who the main characters of the story were given a few specific plot points, and i almost wish the story would have just been told from their povs rather than all six of them, as we likely could have seen more character development from wren, august, and irene in that case and have been given more reasoning to care about them all individually. in fact, out of every character, the only one we get a concrete backstory for is wren, which i think can be seen as both a detriment to the other characters and a plus for solidifying wren as the true main character in this story.
however, on that same point, i actually did kind of enjoy the mystery behind the characters "alive" lives and their afterlives. the fact that they were all apprehensive to talk about who they were when they were alive gave all the characters a sense of rebirth, a second chance if you will. (which this is why i liked irene's character so much, despite my previous gripes.) i also enjoyed how their past lives and their past decisions haunted the narrative—for example, the bad thing that wren did whilst she was alive (which i'm omitting for spoiler purposes, obviously) was her entire driving force, and it did make me gasp when it was finally revealed.
on the same vein, though, i do wish our villain character was better developed as well, because though he was downright despicable, the fact that one of the "parts" of the book was titled betrayal, but we didn't actually spend enough time with our villain previously to truly feel betrayed by him impacted the weight of the story, in my opinion. i do think he was an interesting antagonist, and i enjoyed the backstory we got for him, but it also failed to truly carry any actual weight outside of shock value because of a. how underdeveloped his relationship with the other characters was and b. the explanation felt brushed past because of how much else was going on in the story.
now i also realize that up until this point it reads as though i didn't like this book, but that's not the case. i promise. sometimes i just tend to be overcritical about things i truly enjoy, which sounds insane i know, but it also just means i spent more time analyzing every page.
the plot itself, as i briefly mentioned above, is interesting enough. i was intrigued to see how the author would handle a topic as ambitious and difficult to truly define as the afterlife and how she would put her own unique spin on it, and in truth i wasn't left feeling disappointed. i actually quite enjoyed her explanation for blackwood academy and how people were chosen for it (i'm not sure if this would be a spoiler, but i'm not going to mention it just in case. it was revealed in like the first hundred pages though?) and i felt that the worldbuilding was really solid. i was easily able to envision blackwood, the ether, and so on.
the pacing is where the story lost me just a bit, because i do think it toed the line between being too fast and too slow, as if the story didn't know how it wanted to progress. there were some time skips that kinda made the flow of the story a bit choppy, but nothing too bad that it made reading the book impossible or anything like that.
my main thing with the plot is that there is so much going on that it is very easy to get lost. i.v. marie obviously had a lot of ideas, and she was very ambitious in trying to tackle them all, so it was easy to get overwhelmed, and a lot of plot points didn't have enough time to settle or breathe before we were immediately whisked to another earth-shattering twist. however!!! i think that the chaos actually helped the story, rather than hindered it, because i feel like a story about the afterlife and a competition for eternal power should be chaotic. if the story had less things going on, it may have been easier to digest, but it would have lost a lot of its charm and what actually made the story interesting, if that makes any sort of sense.
i do wish, too, that we would have gotten to see the magic system more fleshed out. we weren't given much of an explanation on how any of it works or how people get their powers after they die (and quite frankly we didn't get enough scenes actually in classes, because i think that if we had, the magic system would have felt more full to me.) however, i did enjoy that most of the characters had a type of magic that they specialized in. just some of the uses of magic felt choppy because the system itself was poorly explained.
enough of my rambling though. i'm angry this ended on a cliffhanger and i have to wait for the next book because who knooooows when that'll be... but despite my gripes and over-analysis, i did find this book to be quite good, especially for a debut novel. i truly do hope the second book is even stronger than the first as i.v. marie finds her narrative voice and writing style, and i absolutely will be seated to see it.
September 17, 2025
definitely in my top 5 for the year!!
have you ever felt like a book was written for you specifically? well, this was mine. dark academia, set in PURGATORY, our characters have already passed on and attending blackwood academy when they're thrust into the decennial trials where only one victor can emerge. Very hunger games esque with its cruelty, as we later see.
The writing style was illustrious and evocative, so you actually feel the characters' emotions, which, for a debut(!!!) novel is impressive. The magic system was so unique, and i lowkey wish they got more class time cause i loved learning/seeing them use their psyche & illusion magic.
What didn't work for me was the number of povs. I adored this group of characters and their different personalities, stories, and romances, but 6 made the reading experience feel too busy. Just when you get into one pov, you're thrown into another. At first, it was really jarring, but by the halfway mark, I was used to it. So, just something to keep in mind.
Out of all the couples, my favourites were obviously Wren & August (he CRAWLED TO HER Y'ALL) and Emilio & Olivier (my stubborn yearnful babies who deserve the world)
I can genuinely say the author stumped me regarding the plot, too. I thought we were playing checkers, meanwhile I.V was playing chess!! There's so much new info. I just need to know more!!! She completely blew me away. I was completely enamored by this book and HIGHLY recommend for the yearners :)
have you ever felt like a book was written for you specifically? well, this was mine. dark academia, set in PURGATORY, our characters have already passed on and attending blackwood academy when they're thrust into the decennial trials where only one victor can emerge. Very hunger games esque with its cruelty, as we later see.
The writing style was illustrious and evocative, so you actually feel the characters' emotions, which, for a debut(!!!) novel is impressive. The magic system was so unique, and i lowkey wish they got more class time cause i loved learning/seeing them use their psyche & illusion magic.
What didn't work for me was the number of povs. I adored this group of characters and their different personalities, stories, and romances, but 6 made the reading experience feel too busy. Just when you get into one pov, you're thrown into another. At first, it was really jarring, but by the halfway mark, I was used to it. So, just something to keep in mind.
Out of all the couples, my favourites were obviously Wren & August (he CRAWLED TO HER Y'ALL) and Emilio & Olivier (my stubborn yearnful babies who deserve the world)
I can genuinely say the author stumped me regarding the plot, too. I thought we were playing checkers, meanwhile I.V was playing chess!! There's so much new info. I just need to know more!!! She completely blew me away. I was completely enamored by this book and HIGHLY recommend for the yearners :)
August 8, 2025
5 stars!!! no notes!!!
six rival students attending an academy in the afterlife? YUP this was my kind of book. i adored all six characters so much. especially emilio (the sweetest cinnamon roll—protect him at all costs) and, surprisingly, irene (she gives MAJOR main character energy 🗡️). this was like a strange, twisty dream that scratched every little itch in my curious little mind. ☁️🫢🫶🏼⏳⭐️✨
six rival students attending an academy in the afterlife? YUP this was my kind of book. i adored all six characters so much. especially emilio (the sweetest cinnamon roll—protect him at all costs) and, surprisingly, irene (she gives MAJOR main character energy 🗡️). this was like a strange, twisty dream that scratched every little itch in my curious little mind. ☁️🫢🫶🏼⏳⭐️✨
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