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The Veritas Legacy #1
Wicked Onyx
Win a free print copy of this book!
10 days and 04:57:04
5 copies available
U.S. only
In a ruthless magical academy where she's cursed and powerless, the last Onyx must unravel dark family secrets and navigate dangerous alliances to reclaim her legacy and make those who betrayed her pay.
You don't graduate Nightsbridge Academy—you survive it.
Born into a sorcerer bloodline, cursed, and cut off from my power, I was accustomed to being an outcast. For generations, my bloodline carried the weight of a crime committed by our ancestor. But my mother’s death changed everything. She left a clue that could prove our innocence: an ancient text hidden deep beneath Nightsbridge Academy.
The Academy is a fortress of power, housing the most dangerous incantors and sorcerers, conscripted to keep Horrors and Echoes at bay. And as the last surviving Onyx, I’m owed admission.
My plan is simple—find the book and expose the Imperium as the liars they are.
But I didn’t plan for the whispers that haunt my dreams. Or the complication of feelings I shouldn’t be capable of—stirred by two men bound to the very institution I’ve come to destroy. One sees too much yet says too little. The other is steady, protective, and always in my corner.
I can’t have either.
Yet when I’m in their presence…my curse begins to crack.
If they discover my true purpose, I’m dead.
But some truths are worth dying for.
The Imperium cursed my bloodline. Stripped us of our magic. Branded us as traitors. And now they will pay.
You don't graduate Nightsbridge Academy—you survive it.
Born into a sorcerer bloodline, cursed, and cut off from my power, I was accustomed to being an outcast. For generations, my bloodline carried the weight of a crime committed by our ancestor. But my mother’s death changed everything. She left a clue that could prove our innocence: an ancient text hidden deep beneath Nightsbridge Academy.
The Academy is a fortress of power, housing the most dangerous incantors and sorcerers, conscripted to keep Horrors and Echoes at bay. And as the last surviving Onyx, I’m owed admission.
My plan is simple—find the book and expose the Imperium as the liars they are.
But I didn’t plan for the whispers that haunt my dreams. Or the complication of feelings I shouldn’t be capable of—stirred by two men bound to the very institution I’ve come to destroy. One sees too much yet says too little. The other is steady, protective, and always in my corner.
I can’t have either.
Yet when I’m in their presence…my curse begins to crack.
If they discover my true purpose, I’m dead.
But some truths are worth dying for.
The Imperium cursed my bloodline. Stripped us of our magic. Branded us as traitors. And now they will pay.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2026
346 people are currently reading
81713 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
137 books2,916 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 555 reviews
September 29, 2025
I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this book - releasing in Feb 2026. A paranormal dark academia story about redemption, vengeance and learning who you truly are.
Anamaya comes from a cursed and disgraced bloodline. Her great aunt committed an act so heinous that their entire line was cursed and their magic stripped. After losing the last family she had, Ana decides to risk everything by going to the hunter school/training grounds where it all began and the truth lies hidden. But before she can search for the truth, she must first survive. Add in an eclectic cast of quirky friends, a charming werewolf, a vengeful vampire and a handsome teacher/mentor in the mix and this is a story that keeps giving.
My only cons - and this might be more of a me thing - I found it was too many ideas. I wish the author would have simplified. It's a world with monsters, werewolves, vampires, gods, witches, sorcerers, dragons, ghosts and so on. It's different clans and a lot of history - and it's presented in a way where you get presented the concept and then later it gets explained. And at times I found it confusing. However I did really enjoy the writing.
Anamaya comes from a cursed and disgraced bloodline. Her great aunt committed an act so heinous that their entire line was cursed and their magic stripped. After losing the last family she had, Ana decides to risk everything by going to the hunter school/training grounds where it all began and the truth lies hidden. But before she can search for the truth, she must first survive. Add in an eclectic cast of quirky friends, a charming werewolf, a vengeful vampire and a handsome teacher/mentor in the mix and this is a story that keeps giving.
My only cons - and this might be more of a me thing - I found it was too many ideas. I wish the author would have simplified. It's a world with monsters, werewolves, vampires, gods, witches, sorcerers, dragons, ghosts and so on. It's different clans and a lot of history - and it's presented in a way where you get presented the concept and then later it gets explained. And at times I found it confusing. However I did really enjoy the writing.
February 10, 2026
I'm most definitely going to be the outlier here and say that this book was good but not great. It's entertaining, it's a bit dark and there is tension throughout (sexual and otherwise) but I just didn't find myself connected to the characters in the way I wanted to. I love books with dark academia and unique magic systems so I was sure this was going to be at least a 4 star read for me so I'm a bit bummed it wasn't. I know readers are going to absolutely love this one and it's already getting some great reviews, so take my review with a grain of salt. I will say that the last few pages were very intriguing and I will likely give the second book a try when it comes out.
Side note, the cover is gorgeous!
Thank you NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 2/10/26
Side note, the cover is gorgeous!
Thank you NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 2/10/26
February 20, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this free advanced reader copy of Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy, to be published on February 10th, 2026.
It’s a good fantasy book. However it gets too predictable when the plot is similar to other fantasy works.
It’s a good fantasy book. However it gets too predictable when the plot is similar to other fantasy works.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️ Arc Review ✨️
A magical dark academia at Nightbridge Academy! Ana, the last Onyx in her sorcerer bloodline cursed and cut off from power! Searching for truth and family secrets hidden in the academy. Training to hunt and kill magical creatures to protect the world. This book is action-packed with a lot going on. You have witches,werewolves,vampires, and mythical creatures with characters you'll love! Lost a star because it was confusing at times, but overall, I enjoyed this book!
Thank you, Netgalley, and Debbie Cassidy for this ARC. This is my opinion.
Releases February 10, 2026
A magical dark academia at Nightbridge Academy! Ana, the last Onyx in her sorcerer bloodline cursed and cut off from power! Searching for truth and family secrets hidden in the academy. Training to hunt and kill magical creatures to protect the world. This book is action-packed with a lot going on. You have witches,werewolves,vampires, and mythical creatures with characters you'll love! Lost a star because it was confusing at times, but overall, I enjoyed this book!
Thank you, Netgalley, and Debbie Cassidy for this ARC. This is my opinion.
Releases February 10, 2026
December 26, 2025
A paranormal academic book full of dark themes, unique magic system and blood curses.
I’ll say dark academia is really having a moment and I am here for it! This is my first book by this author, it was an enjoyable read overall, I’d be interested in continuing the series
I’ll say dark academia is really having a moment and I am here for it! This is my first book by this author, it was an enjoyable read overall, I’d be interested in continuing the series
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Debbie Cassidy crafts a tale in Wicked Onyx, merging dark academia with high-stakes fantasy. Anamaya Onyx, the last heir of a cursed bloodline, enters Nightsbridge Academy, a brutal, fortress of a school where magic is as dangerous as the Horrors lurking outside. Stripped of her powers and burdened by a family legacy of betrayal, she embarks on a gripping journey to uncover ancient secrets and reclaim her birthright.
Cassidy’s world-building is detailed, weaving a lore with innovative magic systems and terrifying creatures. The setting feels alive, with Nightsbridge Academy’s oppressive halls and hidden vaults breathing lots of tension. Anamaya’s is snark and determined; she navigates danger and prejudice with a role model worthy fierce resilience, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for.
The emotional stakes are layered, like peeling an onion. Alongside the main quest of revealing the truth behind her ancestor’s downfall and the mysterious Libra Veritas; Anamaya grapples with unexpected budding romantic tension. Two academy men pull her heart in opposite directions, complicating her mission and slowly chipping away at her curse. The romance doesn’t overshadow the plot but adds emotional depth and character connection.
While the romantic subplot dips into some familiar tropes; occasional damsel-in-distress moments, it never derails Anamaya’s goals. She remains focused and determined to expose the corruption of the Arcanum Imperium.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy of Wicked Onyx in exchange for an honest review.
Cassidy’s world-building is detailed, weaving a lore with innovative magic systems and terrifying creatures. The setting feels alive, with Nightsbridge Academy’s oppressive halls and hidden vaults breathing lots of tension. Anamaya’s is snark and determined; she navigates danger and prejudice with a role model worthy fierce resilience, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for.
The emotional stakes are layered, like peeling an onion. Alongside the main quest of revealing the truth behind her ancestor’s downfall and the mysterious Libra Veritas; Anamaya grapples with unexpected budding romantic tension. Two academy men pull her heart in opposite directions, complicating her mission and slowly chipping away at her curse. The romance doesn’t overshadow the plot but adds emotional depth and character connection.
While the romantic subplot dips into some familiar tropes; occasional damsel-in-distress moments, it never derails Anamaya’s goals. She remains focused and determined to expose the corruption of the Arcanum Imperium.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy of Wicked Onyx in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2026
I’m such a sucker for dark academia, so when I saw Wicked Onyx it immediately intrigued me.
Ana, our FMC, comes from a cursed bloodline due to the sins of her ancestor, leaving her family name disgraced and magicless. Ana decides to go train at a hunters academy, learning to kill monsters but also discover hidden truths. I absolutely loved the banter between the found family in this book, and at this point I couldn’t even tell you who the MMC is or if this turns into a why choose, who knows, but I was absolutely here for the teacher/student trope. The romance is absolutely a subplot in this book, but I do think it will pick up in later books.
This book while a fun read has a lot going on, there’s so many different supernatural creatures ghosts, werewolves, vampires, witches, monsters, and the list goes on, sometimes making it a tad overwhelming. Overall, this was a great start to what I believe is a trilogy.
Thank you so much to Page & Vine, and Debbie Cassidy for the opportunity to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
Ana, our FMC, comes from a cursed bloodline due to the sins of her ancestor, leaving her family name disgraced and magicless. Ana decides to go train at a hunters academy, learning to kill monsters but also discover hidden truths. I absolutely loved the banter between the found family in this book, and at this point I couldn’t even tell you who the MMC is or if this turns into a why choose, who knows, but I was absolutely here for the teacher/student trope. The romance is absolutely a subplot in this book, but I do think it will pick up in later books.
This book while a fun read has a lot going on, there’s so many different supernatural creatures ghosts, werewolves, vampires, witches, monsters, and the list goes on, sometimes making it a tad overwhelming. Overall, this was a great start to what I believe is a trilogy.
Thank you so much to Page & Vine, and Debbie Cassidy for the opportunity to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity!
Wicked Onyx is a paranormal, dark academia in which Ana is the last descendant of a bloodline that was cursed. She ventures to the academy that had cursed her family to discover what truly happened and to get her magic back.
The world building is really interesting. I would say this is like a twist of Hogwarts. There’s multiple bloodlines that enroll their heirs to attend this academy in order to learn their spells/magic to continue to keep the darkness at bay.
Ana, the last Onyx, is a fun character. She’s witty, ballsy, and seeks justice. There’s a lot more to learn about her in the next book because the ending revealed more to her and then ended on the cliffhanger. I had a good time while she uncovers who’s haunting her dreams. It was giving Moaning Myrtle vibes from Harry Potter.
There are a lot of side characters to get familiar with but I enjoyed all of them. There’s vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and more. It’s written very well to be immersive.
This story isn’t very complex but it was fun and I do recommend for anyone that loves a paranormal twist in a dark academia setting.
Wicked Onyx is a paranormal, dark academia in which Ana is the last descendant of a bloodline that was cursed. She ventures to the academy that had cursed her family to discover what truly happened and to get her magic back.
The world building is really interesting. I would say this is like a twist of Hogwarts. There’s multiple bloodlines that enroll their heirs to attend this academy in order to learn their spells/magic to continue to keep the darkness at bay.
Ana, the last Onyx, is a fun character. She’s witty, ballsy, and seeks justice. There’s a lot more to learn about her in the next book because the ending revealed more to her and then ended on the cliffhanger. I had a good time while she uncovers who’s haunting her dreams. It was giving Moaning Myrtle vibes from Harry Potter.
There are a lot of side characters to get familiar with but I enjoyed all of them. There’s vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and more. It’s written very well to be immersive.
This story isn’t very complex but it was fun and I do recommend for anyone that loves a paranormal twist in a dark academia setting.
October 14, 2025
This just became one of my favorite books of the year. Goodness gracious.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If a reader were to ask me for a dark academia book to dip their toes into the genre, I would absolutely recommend Wicked Onyx.
Its a quick read filled with action and magical creatures. The FMC has an almost endless uphill battle ahead of her, but she may just be resilient enough to conquer it.
Its a quick read filled with action and magical creatures. The FMC has an almost endless uphill battle ahead of her, but she may just be resilient enough to conquer it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I started with this book semi-blind, and I came out absolutely IN LOVE with this atmospheric-magical world. I’m obsessed and read half of the book in one day. If work wasn’t a thing, I would have read it in two days. I could not put this down!
Fantasy books have to be REALLY good to keep me interested and color me intrigued. This book beat all my expectations. I was so fascinated with the mysteries, emotional connection with the characters, and trying to figure out what will happen next. I also have never loved a love triangle as much as this. I'm not even sure I should call it a love triangle but let's just say there are two "professors" that keep besting one another in my mind as who should be Anamaya's mate. Maybe it's both? I don't know. What I DO know is that cliffhanger has me PRAYING for book 2 to come soon.
The murder mystery from beginning to end of this book has me so intrigued. The beginning chapter to the very end I feel like I have so many questions and little to no answers. I also am so enthralled with the amount of yearning... SO MUCH YEARNING! If Anamaya's head is spinning, mine is about to blast off! There is little to no spicy scenes but if you wish there was trust me when I say the yearning and banter between her and the "professors" will keep you on your toes. I didn't even really want there to be any spice because I think she needs to make a clear decision before any of that happens.
This book has also a very descriptive magical world filled with "Horrors" or monsters if you will that has me wondering what on earth is going to come out of the wilderness next. The level of detail, descriptions, and plot will make this book your new Roman Empire. 10/10 recommend.
Fantasy books have to be REALLY good to keep me interested and color me intrigued. This book beat all my expectations. I was so fascinated with the mysteries, emotional connection with the characters, and trying to figure out what will happen next. I also have never loved a love triangle as much as this. I'm not even sure I should call it a love triangle but let's just say there are two "professors" that keep besting one another in my mind as who should be Anamaya's mate. Maybe it's both? I don't know. What I DO know is that cliffhanger has me PRAYING for book 2 to come soon.
The murder mystery from beginning to end of this book has me so intrigued. The beginning chapter to the very end I feel like I have so many questions and little to no answers. I also am so enthralled with the amount of yearning... SO MUCH YEARNING! If Anamaya's head is spinning, mine is about to blast off! There is little to no spicy scenes but if you wish there was trust me when I say the yearning and banter between her and the "professors" will keep you on your toes. I didn't even really want there to be any spice because I think she needs to make a clear decision before any of that happens.
This book has also a very descriptive magical world filled with "Horrors" or monsters if you will that has me wondering what on earth is going to come out of the wilderness next. The level of detail, descriptions, and plot will make this book your new Roman Empire. 10/10 recommend.
December 23, 2025
I loved this so much! It’s a school for magical people (vampires, werewolves, witches and sorcerers) to learn how to hunt and kill magical creatures to protect the rest of the world. It’s romantasy but with fun plot. Its rice stars not because it’s beautifully written but because it’s a ton of fun.
Dark Academia
Gothic
Witches
Werewolves
Vampires
Magical monsters
Politics
Games and trials
Enemies to lovers
Student teacher
Friend to lover
Awesome side characters
Why choose morally grey MMC
IT HAS EVERYTHING I LOVE!!! Don’t sleep on this one you guys. If you liked fourth wing, harry potter, nocticadia, wings of blood… this is your next obsession.
Dark Academia
Gothic
Witches
Werewolves
Vampires
Magical monsters
Politics
Games and trials
Enemies to lovers
Student teacher
Friend to lover
Awesome side characters
Why choose morally grey MMC
IT HAS EVERYTHING I LOVE!!! Don’t sleep on this one you guys. If you liked fourth wing, harry potter, nocticadia, wings of blood… this is your next obsession.
February 10, 2026
I’m completely obsessed with this book!
Anamaya belongs to a shunned bloodline. The actions of a past relative led to the Onyx family loosing their magic and placed a heavy curse upon each family members shoulders.
When Anamaya uncovers something that could finally shift her fate, she ends up at Nightsbridge Academy. There she’ll do whatever it takes to break the curse, clear her family name, and restore their lost power (but not without MANY obstacles)
This was a deeply enjoyable dark academia and paranormal romance. I absolutely loved the main female characters wit and ferocity. There are two potential love interests that make for an edge of your seat reading experience & lots of wild revelations that’ll have your mind turning.
Can't wait for book two!!
Anamaya belongs to a shunned bloodline. The actions of a past relative led to the Onyx family loosing their magic and placed a heavy curse upon each family members shoulders.
When Anamaya uncovers something that could finally shift her fate, she ends up at Nightsbridge Academy. There she’ll do whatever it takes to break the curse, clear her family name, and restore their lost power (but not without MANY obstacles)
This was a deeply enjoyable dark academia and paranormal romance. I absolutely loved the main female characters wit and ferocity. There are two potential love interests that make for an edge of your seat reading experience & lots of wild revelations that’ll have your mind turning.
Can't wait for book two!!
February 14, 2026
This was such a fun time. Really fast paced and action packed with a slowwww burn romance. I will advise there’s no spice in this book but I can tell it’s building up for something in the next book. Also I’m so unsure who the Mmc is or if this is going to be a why choose situation? I don’t know but what I do know is high school me would have loved this book this made me feel so nostalgic.
This book has a fantastic Dark academia setting at a paranormal school called Nightsbridge academy following our FMC Anamaya. After her mother succumbs to a curse that was placed on their Onyx bloodline and sadly passes Anamaya receives a letter and a hidden box of trinkets from her mother post death.
In this letter and box her mom supplies evidence if Anamaya wishes to investigate further that her disgraced family line might actually be innocent and that there’s a text hidden at Nightsbridge academy to prove it.
This fuels Anamayas need for revenge after having to watch her mother die for the supposed sins of a past relative that they “allegedly”committed.
Anamaya is determined to be accepted into Nightsbrige academy to have her power unbound and her curse lifted and to find this hidden text that her ancestors diary claims contains the truth of the Onyx bloodlines innocence and to then use this to out the council for their wrong doings and avenge her family.
While attending this school trying to locate this text though Anamaya not only has to train to fight horrors (monsters) and attend classes but she has many enemies and she has to navigate many perilous situations all because of her cursed name.
I couldn’t put this book down Anamaya has got to be one of the funniest hot headed FMCs I’ve ever read she had me cracking up with her witty come backs.
The MMCs in question that seem to pop up on campus everywhere Ana goes throughout this story -We have a Vampire named Sterling that can’t stand our FMC and wishes her dead,
a shady Naga professor and her guide Vitra, and a shifter that’s protective of her and yet keeps pushing her away named Drayven. Very curios to see how that all pans out.
My one thing that threw me off in this book was keeping track of what all the characters were, what their roles are at the school, what magic group they belonged too, the different species within species, what was a horror/monster and what wasn’t. It felt like it was a lot of information at once I wish it was fleshed out a bit more.
But other than that I thought this was a great read and I’ll def be reading book 2 when it comes out.
Tropes
Dark Academia
Cursed FMC
Found family
Slow burn (true slow burn)
Love triangle???
Training/Hunter Trials
High stakes
This book has a fantastic Dark academia setting at a paranormal school called Nightsbridge academy following our FMC Anamaya. After her mother succumbs to a curse that was placed on their Onyx bloodline and sadly passes Anamaya receives a letter and a hidden box of trinkets from her mother post death.
In this letter and box her mom supplies evidence if Anamaya wishes to investigate further that her disgraced family line might actually be innocent and that there’s a text hidden at Nightsbridge academy to prove it.
This fuels Anamayas need for revenge after having to watch her mother die for the supposed sins of a past relative that they “allegedly”committed.
Anamaya is determined to be accepted into Nightsbrige academy to have her power unbound and her curse lifted and to find this hidden text that her ancestors diary claims contains the truth of the Onyx bloodlines innocence and to then use this to out the council for their wrong doings and avenge her family.
While attending this school trying to locate this text though Anamaya not only has to train to fight horrors (monsters) and attend classes but she has many enemies and she has to navigate many perilous situations all because of her cursed name.
I couldn’t put this book down Anamaya has got to be one of the funniest hot headed FMCs I’ve ever read she had me cracking up with her witty come backs.
The MMCs in question that seem to pop up on campus everywhere Ana goes throughout this story -We have a Vampire named Sterling that can’t stand our FMC and wishes her dead,
a shady Naga professor and her guide Vitra, and a shifter that’s protective of her and yet keeps pushing her away named Drayven. Very curios to see how that all pans out.
My one thing that threw me off in this book was keeping track of what all the characters were, what their roles are at the school, what magic group they belonged too, the different species within species, what was a horror/monster and what wasn’t. It felt like it was a lot of information at once I wish it was fleshed out a bit more.
But other than that I thought this was a great read and I’ll def be reading book 2 when it comes out.
Tropes
Dark Academia
Cursed FMC
Found family
Slow burn (true slow burn)
Love triangle???
Training/Hunter Trials
High stakes
February 19, 2026
This book was not bad, but it wasn’t great. The writing style was juvenile to say the least. The fmc was annoying and got a hard on for every man she saw. And it was brought up every time she saw said men. 200 pages worth of words could have been saved if the fmc just bought and used a vibe.The storyline itself was unique, but it’s not new either. Very much Witcher/shield of sparrows/ zodiac academy vibes. Overall an overhyped booktok.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Oooh. Oh man. This was all the best parts of mid-late 2000s supernatural academy-esque books mixed into one grown up version(😉). Let me tell you 3 of my favorite things in books; Dark Academia, Paranormal, and Sexual Tension. Let me tell you 3 of the main elements of this book; please refer to my 3 favorite things in books. Yup, in other words... perfection. Oh, and a dragon might have gotten punched? Yeah, I don't know. This was a fever dream but in the best way.
⛧Thank you so much @pageandvinebooks for sending this beautiful book to me. Even though the book was gifted, all thoughts are my own.
⛧Thank you so much @pageandvinebooks for sending this beautiful book to me. Even though the book was gifted, all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-Wicked Onyx
(ARC via NetGalley)
Wicked Onyx follows Ana, a young woman born into a long line of magic wielders who were stripped of their power by the Weave and bound by a curse. Ana’s curse is a particularly cruel one to have, she feels nothing. No pain, no pleasure, no emotional highs or lows. When she loses her last surviving family member and uncovers a journal belonging to one of her ancestors, Ana is driven to finally uncover the truth behind her family’s curse and the magic that was stolen from them.
The world building in this book was strong and immersive, and I was pulled in very early on. Debbie Cassidy does a great job of layering magic, history, and mystery without overwhelming the story. What really hooked me, though, were Ana’s relationships, both her friendships and the potential love interests. The character dynamics felt natural and engaging, and I am already deeply invested in them.
I am desperately hoping a mating bond with Drevvyn happens because I need it to. The tension is there, the groundwork is laid, and I will not be okay if it doesn’t happen. 👀 I’m also very curious to see if a love triangle develops, and I’m very much hoping Sterling gets his long-overdue comeuppance.
Overall, this was a fantastic read with a compelling premise, strong character work, and enough unanswered questions to leave me desperate for more. I genuinely cannot wait for the sequel.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this in advance
(ARC via NetGalley)
Wicked Onyx follows Ana, a young woman born into a long line of magic wielders who were stripped of their power by the Weave and bound by a curse. Ana’s curse is a particularly cruel one to have, she feels nothing. No pain, no pleasure, no emotional highs or lows. When she loses her last surviving family member and uncovers a journal belonging to one of her ancestors, Ana is driven to finally uncover the truth behind her family’s curse and the magic that was stolen from them.
The world building in this book was strong and immersive, and I was pulled in very early on. Debbie Cassidy does a great job of layering magic, history, and mystery without overwhelming the story. What really hooked me, though, were Ana’s relationships, both her friendships and the potential love interests. The character dynamics felt natural and engaging, and I am already deeply invested in them.
I am desperately hoping a mating bond with Drevvyn happens because I need it to. The tension is there, the groundwork is laid, and I will not be okay if it doesn’t happen. 👀 I’m also very curious to see if a love triangle develops, and I’m very much hoping Sterling gets his long-overdue comeuppance.
Overall, this was a fantastic read with a compelling premise, strong character work, and enough unanswered questions to leave me desperate for more. I genuinely cannot wait for the sequel.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this in advance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
My book club received this book as an ARC and I absolutely ate it up!
If you’re looking for dark academia, supernatural beings, and magic, tied in with some murder mystery and sexy humor, this book is right up your alley. It was for sure a good spooky *Supernatural meets Charmed* vibe and perfect for October.
None of the characters fell flat. They all served their own purposes and completed the plot line. Even the ones who didn’t get much page time. I liked that there was multiple potential love interests, all from different backgrounds, but our FMC is an independent girl so of course she keeps them all chasing her 😎😜
This story has so many places and directions it can go and I can’t wait to continue this series and see what happens now that our girl is back with the Weave!!!!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
If you’re looking for dark academia, supernatural beings, and magic, tied in with some murder mystery and sexy humor, this book is right up your alley. It was for sure a good spooky *Supernatural meets Charmed* vibe and perfect for October.
None of the characters fell flat. They all served their own purposes and completed the plot line. Even the ones who didn’t get much page time. I liked that there was multiple potential love interests, all from different backgrounds, but our FMC is an independent girl so of course she keeps them all chasing her 😎😜
This story has so many places and directions it can go and I can’t wait to continue this series and see what happens now that our girl is back with the Weave!!!!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩
February 19, 2026
This was such a good dark academia x romantasy x paranormal romance read. I’m not sure how many books are set to be in this series but I am SAT & ready for more!
The dark academia and magical academy setting of this book was so fun and so well done. We get a good glimpse at what a first year students’ class schedule looks like, as well as some hints as to what may come in the future. There’s so many different paranormal creatures with different magical abilities that belong to different houses in the school—it was so intricate and intriguing I just want more!
Aside from the school setting, there’s so much action that happens in this book that also keeps you engaged and glued to the pages. Our girl Anna cannot catch a break & is constantly figuring for her life (but boy is it entertaining)
One thing I absolutely LOVEEEDDD about this book is I have absolutely no idea who the love interest is. There’s a couple options with some steamy tension (and if I’m honest I don’t know who I’m rooting for) but the slow burn is burning at a gradual pace that is just so satisfying
I also was lucky enough to have received an ALC from Tantor and the narrator did a great job. There’s a huge cast of characters in this book and she did an amazing job at representing each of them uniquely and kept the reader engaged
To no surprise, the ending was a rude cliffhanger that has left me with so many questions and avidly anticipating what comes next. There’s so many secrets and mysteries intertwined throughout this plot that I just know book two is going to be incredible
The dark academia and magical academy setting of this book was so fun and so well done. We get a good glimpse at what a first year students’ class schedule looks like, as well as some hints as to what may come in the future. There’s so many different paranormal creatures with different magical abilities that belong to different houses in the school—it was so intricate and intriguing I just want more!
Aside from the school setting, there’s so much action that happens in this book that also keeps you engaged and glued to the pages. Our girl Anna cannot catch a break & is constantly figuring for her life (but boy is it entertaining)
One thing I absolutely LOVEEEDDD about this book is I have absolutely no idea who the love interest is. There’s a couple options with some steamy tension (and if I’m honest I don’t know who I’m rooting for) but the slow burn is burning at a gradual pace that is just so satisfying
I also was lucky enough to have received an ALC from Tantor and the narrator did a great job. There’s a huge cast of characters in this book and she did an amazing job at representing each of them uniquely and kept the reader engaged
To no surprise, the ending was a rude cliffhanger that has left me with so many questions and avidly anticipating what comes next. There’s so many secrets and mysteries intertwined throughout this plot that I just know book two is going to be incredible
February 24, 2026
I was very excited when I came across this book because I am very much into dark academia and absolutely feral for teacher/student romance. At first I was slightly disappointed to find that the romance takes a backseat. But that’s OK because the plot and all its mystery had me hooked!
If you are looking for spice then this may not be the book for you because this is a sloooowww burn. There is very little tension or spice. In fact I couldn’t even figure out who was supposed to be the love interest until halfway through the book. I think there are two? And both are absolutely swoon worthy! I seriously can not decide who I like better. And hey—it’s only the first book in the series. I think the author is setting us up for a wild ride with these two hot men and I am here for it!
I do wish I realized there was a glossary at the end of the kindle book because I had a hard time keeping up with all the different creatures. But that’s a me problem. They were all wildly exciting!
And so now here I am—anxiously waiting to get my hands on book two!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: .5 🌶️
Tropes✨:
Dark academia
Gothic vibes
Morally gray FMC
Found family
Magical creatures
Forbidden love
🖤 Favorite Quote: “You can’t break me. I’m already broken, bitch.”
If you are looking for spice then this may not be the book for you because this is a sloooowww burn. There is very little tension or spice. In fact I couldn’t even figure out who was supposed to be the love interest until halfway through the book. I think there are two? And both are absolutely swoon worthy! I seriously can not decide who I like better. And hey—it’s only the first book in the series. I think the author is setting us up for a wild ride with these two hot men and I am here for it!
I do wish I realized there was a glossary at the end of the kindle book because I had a hard time keeping up with all the different creatures. But that’s a me problem. They were all wildly exciting!
And so now here I am—anxiously waiting to get my hands on book two!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: .5 🌶️
Tropes✨:
Dark academia
Gothic vibes
Morally gray FMC
Found family
Magical creatures
Forbidden love
🖤 Favorite Quote: “You can’t break me. I’m already broken, bitch.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wicked Onyx follows Anamaya Onyx, a sorcerer from a disgraced and cursed bloodline. After her mother’s death, Anamaya uncovers buried secrets about her lineage, leading her to Nightbridge Academy, a notoriously dangerous and secretive school. She enrolls in hopes to find an ancient text that could clear her family’s name and break the curse.
There’s a lot happening all at once. different clans, creatures, and magic systems, and it all comes at you pretty quickly. The characters were decent, but they weren’t quite as fleshed out as I would’ve liked, which made some of them feel a bit flat.
That said, this was still a very solid read. I really enjoyed the setting and the overall concept, and I’m definitely interested enough to continue on with the next book in the series.
Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!
There’s a lot happening all at once. different clans, creatures, and magic systems, and it all comes at you pretty quickly. The characters were decent, but they weren’t quite as fleshed out as I would’ve liked, which made some of them feel a bit flat.
That said, this was still a very solid read. I really enjoyed the setting and the overall concept, and I’m definitely interested enough to continue on with the next book in the series.
Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!
January 22, 2026
This is an ARC review. I want to thank Debbie Cassidy and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!
Anamaya (Ana) Onyx has only known what the cruel world look like and it broke my heart! Reading this book pulled at every heart strong. Seeing someone who has been so strong constantly no matter the odds were start to shatter her defenses was a true miracle to witness. I loved every minute of it. That is not to say it didn’t come with bumps and trials because oh it did! She learned to lean on (who I found myself to drawn to) her found family of unwoven at Nightsbridge!
To say Nightsbridge is the ODDEST school is an understatement. No one bats an eye at abuse but let one creature in and all hell breaks loose. There are secrets on top of secrets within these walls and I need more answers!
Ol Vitra & Drayven as potential male love interests intrigue me. Is this a why choose? Is this a one will betray her so she automatically will lean towards the other? Will she say forget falling for either one and falls in love with herself? The options are endless.
Either way this is a creepy crawly slow burn of a romance I couldn’t put down. all that happened were two little bites and a very vivid imagination.
PS: Counselor Miss Mandy Snap is a blessing to the entire school. The one person in the school I didn’t think I twice about that had nothing but the purest intentions!
Anamaya (Ana) Onyx has only known what the cruel world look like and it broke my heart! Reading this book pulled at every heart strong. Seeing someone who has been so strong constantly no matter the odds were start to shatter her defenses was a true miracle to witness. I loved every minute of it. That is not to say it didn’t come with bumps and trials because oh it did! She learned to lean on (who I found myself to drawn to) her found family of unwoven at Nightsbridge!
To say Nightsbridge is the ODDEST school is an understatement. No one bats an eye at abuse but let one creature in and all hell breaks loose. There are secrets on top of secrets within these walls and I need more answers!
Ol Vitra & Drayven as potential male love interests intrigue me. Is this a why choose? Is this a one will betray her so she automatically will lean towards the other? Will she say forget falling for either one and falls in love with herself? The options are endless.
Either way this is a creepy crawly slow burn of a romance I couldn’t put down. all that happened were two little bites and a very vivid imagination.
PS: Counselor Miss Mandy Snap is a blessing to the entire school. The one person in the school I didn’t think I twice about that had nothing but the purest intentions!
January 18, 2026
First and foremost thank you so much @debbiecassidyauther @luvbooksclub and @pageandvinebooks for providing me with an earc of Wicked Onyx for my honest review and I honestly can't stop raving about this book!
Anamaya the FMC works for the Centre for Critter Control and also does freelance work trapping critters; yet she is from a powerful sorcerer family who has been exiled due to a past relatives transgressions. Due to her family's past they have been cut off from the Weave and have lost all their powers in addition to being cursed. Anamaya mother is ill, and thus dies. After her mother passes she gets a letter from a law firm, which leads her to a box filled with letters and other items belonging to the Onyx women before her. She is set on getting into Nightsbridge Academy to find Libra Veritas aka the book of truth to find out the truth of what happened to Dharma and clear her families name! If you love FMC set on paths of retribution you'll love Ana!
This book had so many twists and turns, so many magical elements it'll have your head spinning (in the best way)! We get witches, vampires, werewolves and so much more in this novel! To say I was invested would be an understatement.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
Anamaya the FMC works for the Centre for Critter Control and also does freelance work trapping critters; yet she is from a powerful sorcerer family who has been exiled due to a past relatives transgressions. Due to her family's past they have been cut off from the Weave and have lost all their powers in addition to being cursed. Anamaya mother is ill, and thus dies. After her mother passes she gets a letter from a law firm, which leads her to a box filled with letters and other items belonging to the Onyx women before her. She is set on getting into Nightsbridge Academy to find Libra Veritas aka the book of truth to find out the truth of what happened to Dharma and clear her families name! If you love FMC set on paths of retribution you'll love Ana!
This book had so many twists and turns, so many magical elements it'll have your head spinning (in the best way)! We get witches, vampires, werewolves and so much more in this novel! To say I was invested would be an understatement.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
February 19, 2026
whoa!
I’m so in shock with this! Vampires werewolves and gargoyles on my!!!! This book and it all and MAGIC!!! All set in a gorgeous academy setting just wrap this book in a beautiful now and send it right to me lol. I loved this so much!!!! I can’t stop recommending this book! I loved the plot the fmc and how strong and tough she is! I just love everything about this book I can’t wait for the next one because that cliffie was shocking to say the least!
I’m so in shock with this! Vampires werewolves and gargoyles on my!!!! This book and it all and MAGIC!!! All set in a gorgeous academy setting just wrap this book in a beautiful now and send it right to me lol. I loved this so much!!!! I can’t stop recommending this book! I loved the plot the fmc and how strong and tough she is! I just love everything about this book I can’t wait for the next one because that cliffie was shocking to say the least!
February 20, 2026
Love the idea/concepts, didn't love the execution.
A massive world with unlimited types of creatures does *not* equal well done world-building. There was so much introduced in this book that I retained absolutely nothing. If you read solely on vibes and don't care to have an understanding of the world, you will probably love this.
The plot moved at breakneck speed, and not in a good way. Conflict was introduced, conflict was resolved, repeat x10. There was no time to even care about what was going on.
I have no idea whats going on with the romance. It's either being setup for a love triangle or a why choose but unfortunately I have no investment in any part of the romance.
This was a miss for me and I won't be continuing the series.
I received an eARC from Page & Vine. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
A massive world with unlimited types of creatures does *not* equal well done world-building. There was so much introduced in this book that I retained absolutely nothing. If you read solely on vibes and don't care to have an understanding of the world, you will probably love this.
The plot moved at breakneck speed, and not in a good way. Conflict was introduced, conflict was resolved, repeat x10. There was no time to even care about what was going on.
I have no idea whats going on with the romance. It's either being setup for a love triangle or a why choose but unfortunately I have no investment in any part of the romance.
This was a miss for me and I won't be continuing the series.
I received an eARC from Page & Vine. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 4, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.25 stars.
This ticked a lot of boxes for me, it had an academic setting with a horror fantasy vibe going as the plot unfolded. I enjoyed the headstrong FMC who steered the story, and the side characters we get to know along the way do add to the dynamics of the plot.
As we unravel the past and why the Onyx bloodline is cursed we get new mysteries surface that have left me with some new questions, but I am looking forward to seeing the truth come to light about why Anamaya is at the heart of it all.
There’s some potential love interests I see on the horizon, but book 1 kept it plot focused and I enjoyed that.
This ticked a lot of boxes for me, it had an academic setting with a horror fantasy vibe going as the plot unfolded. I enjoyed the headstrong FMC who steered the story, and the side characters we get to know along the way do add to the dynamics of the plot.
As we unravel the past and why the Onyx bloodline is cursed we get new mysteries surface that have left me with some new questions, but I am looking forward to seeing the truth come to light about why Anamaya is at the heart of it all.
There’s some potential love interests I see on the horizon, but book 1 kept it plot focused and I enjoyed that.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
A good fantasy book that entertained throughout
I enjoyed the friendships and romance within the book (although would have liked to learn more about the love interests) My only criticism was how many similarities there were to other fantasy books and it seems to incorporate so many different elements (vampires, werewolves, witches, clans, monsters to name just some of them) that it made it slightly confusing but also predictable.
Overall I’m intrigued and will be picking up book 2 when it comes out.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
A good fantasy book that entertained throughout
I enjoyed the friendships and romance within the book (although would have liked to learn more about the love interests) My only criticism was how many similarities there were to other fantasy books and it seems to incorporate so many different elements (vampires, werewolves, witches, clans, monsters to name just some of them) that it made it slightly confusing but also predictable.
Overall I’m intrigued and will be picking up book 2 when it comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This took a bit to get into, but the last 40% made it hard to put down. I appreciated that it was a bit more friendship focused vs romance. My only negative was that it seemed to have every fantasy concept/creature thrown in to it. which made it a bit overwhelming and more complicated than it needed to be. The perfect book if you enjoyed Spellcaster. Looking forward to the next one
what to expect:
-dark academia
-found family/strong friendships
-Vampires
-shifters
-games and trials
-student/teacher(s)
-politics
-love triangle
This took a bit to get into, but the last 40% made it hard to put down. I appreciated that it was a bit more friendship focused vs romance. My only negative was that it seemed to have every fantasy concept/creature thrown in to it. which made it a bit overwhelming and more complicated than it needed to be. The perfect book if you enjoyed Spellcaster. Looking forward to the next one
what to expect:
-dark academia
-found family/strong friendships
-Vampires
-shifters
-games and trials
-student/teacher(s)
-politics
-love triangle
December 5, 2025
Debbie Cassidy is one of my favorite why choose paranormal romance authors, and totally underhyped, in my opinion. I inhaled her Demons of Morningstar series in probably two days in winter 2024. I love the one-of-a-kind high that can only come from finding a new author who writes in your sweet spot and then bingeing everything they’ve written. It’s like finding a treasure hoard. This book, Wicked Onyx? It pings so many of my book buttons in just the right way. I just want the rest of the series right now.
I’m not someone who usually gets stuck in when it comes to slow burn romance–and let me tell you, this series is going to be a slow burn for sure because despite some red-hot sexual tension these characters are in the business of winding each other up. Don’t hold it against them. They’re kind of busy trying not to die almost constantly.
Deep, intriguing, darkly magical plots like the one that will carry us through The Veritas Legacy are the types of plots that allow me to let my disdain of slow burn evaporate for a book or two. I’ll never turn down a paranormal romance set in an academy, and this one also adds the dark academia story convention along with the vibes (which means you get the corruption and the castles). There’s a group of misfit besties, tons of action and magic, a FMC who’s a study in contradictions, and forbidden romances that are definitely going to break our hearts and (then hopefully) mend them. 4⭐️
I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Adult Fantasy/Fantasy Romance/Dark Academia/Paranormal Romance/Why Choose/Academy Romance/Slow Burn/Forbidden Romance
I’m not someone who usually gets stuck in when it comes to slow burn romance–and let me tell you, this series is going to be a slow burn for sure because despite some red-hot sexual tension these characters are in the business of winding each other up. Don’t hold it against them. They’re kind of busy trying not to die almost constantly.
Deep, intriguing, darkly magical plots like the one that will carry us through The Veritas Legacy are the types of plots that allow me to let my disdain of slow burn evaporate for a book or two. I’ll never turn down a paranormal romance set in an academy, and this one also adds the dark academia story convention along with the vibes (which means you get the corruption and the castles). There’s a group of misfit besties, tons of action and magic, a FMC who’s a study in contradictions, and forbidden romances that are definitely going to break our hearts and (then hopefully) mend them. 4⭐️
I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Adult Fantasy/Fantasy Romance/Dark Academia/Paranormal Romance/Why Choose/Academy Romance/Slow Burn/Forbidden Romance
November 16, 2025
I actually enjoyed this book! I hate that I’ve been left with so many questions to ponder on, but that’s the result of an unfinished series! I loved Ana! She was quirky, direct, funny, and had a great dominance that wasn’t overpowering. The side characters gave me life. Seriously Ioved them all, even the ones I low-key hated due to their character. Cannot wait to read the next one!
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