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Tennebrose #1
Malum Discordiae
After Cassius Corbin’s mother was murdered by fellow witches, he learned an invaluable lesson: death comes for us all—even Necromancers. Six years later, enrolling at Tennebrose University with vengeance on his mind, the last thing he expects is to come face to face with Graeme Hewitt, the son of his mother’s killer. As much as Cassius tries to avoid the naive weather witch, fate has other plans.
In spite of their families’ ongoing feud, they’re forced to work together if they have any hope of passing their required class. But as late nights and stolen moments turn to something more, a rash of demonic murders plagues the university. If they don’t get to the bottom of it, they could both be next.
MALUM DISCORDIAE is a dark academia, paranormal MM romance about witches, Necromancers, and a blood feud that has lasted centuries. It features plenty of steam, a lot of snark, and the pile of bodies you’d expect in a magical Romeo + Juliet retelling—except this one has a happy ending. It is intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list of triggers can be found in the front matter of the book and at my website under Tropes & Triggers.
In spite of their families’ ongoing feud, they’re forced to work together if they have any hope of passing their required class. But as late nights and stolen moments turn to something more, a rash of demonic murders plagues the university. If they don’t get to the bottom of it, they could both be next.
MALUM DISCORDIAE is a dark academia, paranormal MM romance about witches, Necromancers, and a blood feud that has lasted centuries. It features plenty of steam, a lot of snark, and the pile of bodies you’d expect in a magical Romeo + Juliet retelling—except this one has a happy ending. It is intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list of triggers can be found in the front matter of the book and at my website under Tropes & Triggers.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2022
528 people are currently reading
6913 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Drewek
20 books932 followersInternational best-selling and award-winning author Ashlyn Drewek has always been fascinated by "weird" things like Edgar Allan Poe, Halloween, and witchcraft. Not necessarily in that order. But she's also a hopeless romantic who lives for stories about true love conquering all. Since variety is indeed the spice of life, she writes a mix of MM tropes and subgenres to satisfy her rapidly changing whims.
For information on upcoming releases, go to ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/upcoming
Have a question? I might have an answer! ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/faq
Looking for links? Go here ⇢ www.ashlyndrewek.com/main
For information on upcoming releases, go to ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/upcoming
Have a question? I might have an answer! ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/faq
Looking for links? Go here ⇢ www.ashlyndrewek.com/main
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 886 reviews
April 30, 2022
“admit it, we’ve pretty much been dating since the semester started.”
“trying to kill one another doesn’t equate to dating.”
aren't they just the cutest?🖤
✦ this was really cool for the most part. forbidden romance, magic, necromancers, stormbringers, a blood feud, rival families, a secret society of witches, spells, curses, dark academia vibes, demons, a bloody but cute enemies-to-lovers story?? yes yes and yes. love all that.
✦ the mcs were great together. the fact that they were actual enemies, who couldn't help but be pulled back to each other was amazing. their enemies-to-lovers relationship development was great.
“i’d watch your fucking mouth if i were you.”
“why? you didn’t mind it last week.”
✦ why only 3 stars? well, first of all, i really wish we got more actual world building. the bones were there, but i was left craving something a little bit more.
✦ this book also got draggy tbh. i was loving it in the beginning, but the last 150 pages or so definitely dragged for me. i was wishing for it to get tied up already and that's never a good sign lol. but maybe that's just me, i've been picky as hell these days.
“i can’t wait for the day when you’re begging me to touch you.”
“i’ll never beg you for anything.”
✦ don't let my 3 star rating and my niggles i mentioned above prevent you from checking this book out, i definitely still think that this is a pretty great read overall. i'm glad i checked it out!
“trying to kill one another doesn’t equate to dating.”
aren't they just the cutest?🖤
✦ this was really cool for the most part. forbidden romance, magic, necromancers, stormbringers, a blood feud, rival families, a secret society of witches, spells, curses, dark academia vibes, demons, a bloody but cute enemies-to-lovers story?? yes yes and yes. love all that.
✦ the mcs were great together. the fact that they were actual enemies, who couldn't help but be pulled back to each other was amazing. their enemies-to-lovers relationship development was great.
“i’d watch your fucking mouth if i were you.”
“why? you didn’t mind it last week.”
✦ why only 3 stars? well, first of all, i really wish we got more actual world building. the bones were there, but i was left craving something a little bit more.
✦ this book also got draggy tbh. i was loving it in the beginning, but the last 150 pages or so definitely dragged for me. i was wishing for it to get tied up already and that's never a good sign lol. but maybe that's just me, i've been picky as hell these days.
“i can’t wait for the day when you’re begging me to touch you.”
“i’ll never beg you for anything.”
✦ don't let my 3 star rating and my niggles i mentioned above prevent you from checking this book out, i definitely still think that this is a pretty great read overall. i'm glad i checked it out!
Read
September 15, 2025Edit: Oh, apparently the author's a weirdo? Good to know, sad to hear.
This was an enjoyable read, very Romeo and Juliet, except with magic and gayness. And you should know that if you sprinkle some gayness in a story, then I'm always game. It also gives us the definitive answer to that age-old question: can two dumbasses (affectionate) fall in love despite both belonging to families with a century long blood feud? The answer is... yup, but only after a hundred or so pages of posturing because they’re dumbasses (affectionate). I always have a hard time reviewing a book I rate 5-stars because what can I say? I liked it and I loved it? Sure, that's solid, but it's not enough! It doesn't convey what I'm feeling at all!
Cassius and Graeme are a blast to read and their chemistry is top notch. And even though they technically try to kill each other, the “enemy” part of their relationship never had much bite in my opinion. Their insults in the beginning parts of the story never really evolved past anything you’d hear on xbox live. But maybe I thought it was silly because the idea of having an arch-nemesis is really funny to me. Like, another man who you apparently hate and never leaves your mind? Man, no wonder they just started fucking by the halfway point. But no prep, though? All I can say is... ouchie!
Oh yeah, also the magic system was just the tiniest bit confusing. Like, what can anyone do in this world? Cassius is basically vampire-coded with the powers of an evil wizard and Graeme has the powers of… the Avatar? Are witches in this world a secret? Not sure. Let me know if you know.
All the same, this was a fun enough jaunt to the point where I felt the need to use the word "jaunt" and I totally look forward to reading any and all sequels/spin-offs in this world. In other words, I liked it and I loved it!
This was an enjoyable read, very Romeo and Juliet, except with magic and gayness. And you should know that if you sprinkle some gayness in a story, then I'm always game. It also gives us the definitive answer to that age-old question: can two dumbasses (affectionate) fall in love despite both belonging to families with a century long blood feud? The answer is... yup, but only after a hundred or so pages of posturing because they’re dumbasses (affectionate). I always have a hard time reviewing a book I rate 5-stars because what can I say? I liked it and I loved it? Sure, that's solid, but it's not enough! It doesn't convey what I'm feeling at all!
Cassius and Graeme are a blast to read and their chemistry is top notch. And even though they technically try to kill each other, the “enemy” part of their relationship never had much bite in my opinion. Their insults in the beginning parts of the story never really evolved past anything you’d hear on xbox live. But maybe I thought it was silly because the idea of having an arch-nemesis is really funny to me. Like, another man who you apparently hate and never leaves your mind? Man, no wonder they just started fucking by the halfway point. But no prep, though? All I can say is... ouchie!
Oh yeah, also the magic system was just the tiniest bit confusing. Like, what can anyone do in this world? Cassius is basically vampire-coded with the powers of an evil wizard and Graeme has the powers of… the Avatar? Are witches in this world a secret? Not sure. Let me know if you know.
All the same, this was a fun enough jaunt to the point where I felt the need to use the word "jaunt" and I totally look forward to reading any and all sequels/spin-offs in this world. In other words, I liked it and I loved it!
May 25, 2024
4.5 Stars
This book was intense, suspenseful, thrilling and so freaking hot. The world building wasnt great but the romance more than made up for it. I loved seeing Cassius and Graeme grow from enemies to lovers. These two were literally more powerful when they were together.
This book had great potential to be a true ENEMIES to loers but the author had to ruin it by making them lust for each other too soon.
____________
Reading Update:
You know what I love about enemies to lovers? I always support the person whose chapter am reading. I just read Cash's chapter and he sent crows to attack Graeme and I was like get it girl but now that am reading Graeme's chapter am like that was so not cool if I was you I wouldn't let him getaway with disrespecting me like that. 😭😭
This book was intense, suspenseful, thrilling and so freaking hot. The world building wasnt great but the romance more than made up for it. I loved seeing Cassius and Graeme grow from enemies to lovers. These two were literally more powerful when they were together.
This book had great potential to be a true ENEMIES to loers but the author had to ruin it by making them lust for each other too soon.
____________
Reading Update:
You know what I love about enemies to lovers? I always support the person whose chapter am reading. I just read Cash's chapter and he sent crows to attack Graeme and I was like get it girl but now that am reading Graeme's chapter am like that was so not cool if I was you I wouldn't let him getaway with disrespecting me like that. 😭😭
March 28, 2022
IT'S OUT NOW!!!
Here's the thing, you think you're ready for this book, but I am here to assure you that you in fact, are not. So brace yourself. You're welcome! 🥰
Caution: This is a dark romance with paranormal elements, and as usual with this author, there were no holds barred. Please heed the trigger warnings 🖤
This thiccc baby snatched me from the get-go. As usual, I don't have the words, but I promise to refrain from using too many emojis or exclamation marks...((this is a lie))
Initial reaction: HOLY FREAKING SHIRTBALLS!!! I just inhaled this and I'm still breathless. Excuse me while I go cry in Canadian 😭
Reasons we love enemies-to-lovers:
_"I loathe you but I'd also eat your face" energy🤌🏾
_Verbal sparring before and during sexy times 🤌🏾
_"Mine" in italics!!! because it's 50% into the book and can really only be a thought at this point 🤌🏾
_Unmatched "I love you" confessions 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
Reasons we love forbidden romance:
_Sitting side by side, considerable distance apart so it's not too obvious, but close enough to hold hands (gahhh!!!)
_PINING!
_Sneaking out from balconies the morning after sexy times
_PINING!!
_Said sexy times sometimes occuring in hidden places like a crypt
_PINING!!! 🤤
Reasons you have to read this book:
_See above 😅 BUT ALSO..
_It's the quintessential enemies-to-lovers set up featuring almost-star-crossed-lovers (dw it's an HEA) from feuding families, who are supposed to hate each other but can't seem to stay away?! TAKE ALL MY MONEY!!! 💳💳💥💳💳💳💥
There is a smart mouthed loveable grump named Cassius and a flirty tenacious sunshine named Graeme who are fighting (not really) this insane inevitable attraction while also attempting to solve a mystery. Oh yeah there's weather magic and the other one talks to crows 🤯
If my alter ego was a book, it'd be this one. With the seriously insane world building we get that gothic dark academia vibe, eerie yet gripping storyline, a well-researched background and setting, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. Ashlyn Drewek just wrote a fantasy-like novel, snatched my wig, and walked away like it was nothing. THE AUDACITY, THE GALL, THE GUMPTION! All hail this Dark MM romance queen 😌👏🏾
5 stars, 10/10, cannot recommend enough, if you like these tropes!
Coming March 28th!
Here's the thing, you think you're ready for this book, but I am here to assure you that you in fact, are not. So brace yourself. You're welcome! 🥰
Caution: This is a dark romance with paranormal elements, and as usual with this author, there were no holds barred. Please heed the trigger warnings 🖤
This thiccc baby snatched me from the get-go. As usual, I don't have the words, but I promise to refrain from using too many emojis or exclamation marks...((this is a lie))
Initial reaction: HOLY FREAKING SHIRTBALLS!!! I just inhaled this and I'm still breathless. Excuse me while I go cry in Canadian 😭
Reasons we love enemies-to-lovers:
_"I loathe you but I'd also eat your face" energy🤌🏾
_Verbal sparring before and during sexy times 🤌🏾
_"Mine" in italics!!! because it's 50% into the book and can really only be a thought at this point 🤌🏾
_Unmatched "I love you" confessions 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
Reasons we love forbidden romance:
_Sitting side by side, considerable distance apart so it's not too obvious, but close enough to hold hands (gahhh!!!)
_PINING!
_Sneaking out from balconies the morning after sexy times
_PINING!!
_Said sexy times sometimes occuring in hidden places like a crypt
_PINING!!! 🤤
Reasons you have to read this book:
_See above 😅 BUT ALSO..
_It's the quintessential enemies-to-lovers set up featuring almost-star-crossed-lovers (dw it's an HEA) from feuding families, who are supposed to hate each other but can't seem to stay away?! TAKE ALL MY MONEY!!! 💳💳💥💳💳💳💥
There is a smart mouthed loveable grump named Cassius and a flirty tenacious sunshine named Graeme who are fighting (not really) this insane inevitable attraction while also attempting to solve a mystery. Oh yeah there's weather magic and the other one talks to crows 🤯
If my alter ego was a book, it'd be this one. With the seriously insane world building we get that gothic dark academia vibe, eerie yet gripping storyline, a well-researched background and setting, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. Ashlyn Drewek just wrote a fantasy-like novel, snatched my wig, and walked away like it was nothing. THE AUDACITY, THE GALL, THE GUMPTION! All hail this Dark MM romance queen 😌👏🏾
5 stars, 10/10, cannot recommend enough, if you like these tropes!
Coming March 28th!
September 24, 2022
The chemistry between Cassius and Graeme was off the charts smoking. I could not wait for them to stop hurting each other (with magic and words) but the pay off to lovers was so sweet and hot AF.
Super cool use of magic
Ancient family rivalries
Forced proximity
Witchy boys
Yummy dark imagery
The perfect mix of Romeo & Juliet but make them both boys and what the Harry Potter books should have been in my wildest dreams.
Loved every single thing about it! Highly recommend. Going on the favorites shelf.
ETA: The scene where Graeme asks Cassius “Do you like storms?” lives on a loop in my mind since the day I read it.
”The guy I thought was so hot from the minute he stepped through the door, with his dark hair and pale skin, looking like a dark academia snack.”🍎
Super cool use of magic
Ancient family rivalries
Forced proximity
Witchy boys
Yummy dark imagery
The perfect mix of Romeo & Juliet but make them both boys and what the Harry Potter books should have been in my wildest dreams.
Loved every single thing about it! Highly recommend. Going on the favorites shelf.
ETA: The scene where Graeme asks Cassius “Do you like storms?” lives on a loop in my mind since the day I read it.
”The guy I thought was so hot from the minute he stepped through the door, with his dark hair and pale skin, looking like a dark academia snack.”🍎
December 4, 2022
*** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Cash and Graeme!!!! I Loved this witch retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The concept of a forbidden romance between two warring witch families intrigued me, but it was Cash and Graeme that left me hooked on this story.
Cash and Graeme have instantaneous chemistry without knowing each other's identity. When their identities are revealed it leads to a fantastic forbidden romance featuring ancient rival witch families.
Alongside the forbidden romance, I also loved the visual representation of the witch duels between Cash, the Necromancer, and Graeme, a Stormbringer. When their powers interact their duels are destructive, powerful, and decimating. I also enjoyed the gradual increase of the intensity in their duels as their attraction and feelings grew as well.
The love story is the fuel for this story but another winning aspect is the complex world-building of a secret society of ancient witch families featuring, light, neutral and dark witches.
Malum Discordiae is another addictive love story set in a fascinating world of betrayal, power, and desire. I look forward to future installments in this wonderful universe.
Cash and Graeme!!!! I Loved this witch retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The concept of a forbidden romance between two warring witch families intrigued me, but it was Cash and Graeme that left me hooked on this story.
Cash and Graeme have instantaneous chemistry without knowing each other's identity. When their identities are revealed it leads to a fantastic forbidden romance featuring ancient rival witch families.
Alongside the forbidden romance, I also loved the visual representation of the witch duels between Cash, the Necromancer, and Graeme, a Stormbringer. When their powers interact their duels are destructive, powerful, and decimating. I also enjoyed the gradual increase of the intensity in their duels as their attraction and feelings grew as well.
The love story is the fuel for this story but another winning aspect is the complex world-building of a secret society of ancient witch families featuring, light, neutral and dark witches.
Malum Discordiae is another addictive love story set in a fascinating world of betrayal, power, and desire. I look forward to future installments in this wonderful universe.
September 16, 2025
Ickkkkkkkk lady boner goneeeeeeeeee
May 14, 2023
3/5 ⭐ De gustibus non est disputandum.
❝There’s no disputing about taste❞ said the Latin quote ♥ It perfectly fits for Malum Discordiae, a dark book written by the talented Ashlyn Drewek, who already conquested me with The Kidnapping of Roan Sinclair , whose review you could find in the previous link 😚
Today is a day of proverbs, so another one by Heraclitus said like that: ❝Without hope it is impossible to find the unexpected❞ 🌹 Maybe, it was my problem with Malum Discordiae, that my hopes were at its maximum after reading The Kidnapping of Roan Sinclair, a book with which Ashlyn Drewek was able to touch my soft spot, despite its bits of mistakes as every book has got ♥ Malum Discordiae has not achieved it, sadly 🥀
It does not mean that the book is bad, not a bit of it! There are plenty positives in this book, but I was expecting more from a dark novel with a dark academy 💀 where witches and Necromancers wandering around mystical landscapes whilst start a war against demons 👹 , phantoms 👻 and other scary creatures 👺 There was a bit of everything, but it was approached from a juvenile perspective, quite diferent from I expected.
◾ Malum Discordiae is the first installment which stands into the ❝Tennebrose❞ universe and the series about it ❥ Cassius and Graeme—Necromancer and weather witch, respectively—belong to different families who share a blood feud from centuries ago ⚔️ But what they don't know is that they are the two sides of a single coin 💸: Cassius isn't just a Necromancer, is a blood witch and Graeme is a Stormbringer, a kind of weather witch more powerful than the averaged ones ⚡
◾ When the first one is back in the town of Winslow to attend Tennebrose University, stranger things start to happen around him and, obviously, Graeme is going to be envolved 😏 These two boys must to put their feud away and teaming up in order to fight the evil forces which menace to destroy them and their magical heritage. And this is not exactly a lightweight, because a demon is on their trail and is deeply obsessed with trying to murder them 😈
◾ Positives:
✔️ World-building's magnificence 🦉 🍂 Ashlyn Drewek has made a great job here, plus she told that this book took longer to write than most of her books. Writing about magic elements and fantasy places with family trees involved is quite complex, and it is worthy of being noticed and award. But I think that, in this case, the greater the world-building is the weaker is the plot and its ending.
✔️ Tennebrose University is plenty of mysteries and plot-twist《 senseless, by times》, as a matter-of-fact. I was hooked by the perturbing killings of our boys' classmates 🥀 and I loved the unsettling atmosphere, by the way 🖤 Every page I turned there were a slaughter or the identity of the assassin changed, unexpectedly. I always hated Lennox, so I wanted him to be actively involved in the mess, but I'm not going to spoiler anything 🙄 What a hateable character, for God's sake!
✔️ Speaking of carnage... 🩸 There are plenty gory paragraphs, so people who has sensitive hearts or stomachs, don't read it 🔞 I enjoyed it because it was all the mature subject I could get by reading this novel 🤡 Sex aside, of course!
◾ Negatives:
❌ Romeo and Juliet's shadow is too long to overtake it 💔Cassius and Graeme don't work as a couple for me to believe their relationship. Maybe it is due to the complex enemies-to-lovers trope, in which the transition between the two phases is not always the fluent it is expected of it. Malum Discordiae offers to the reader an up and down relationship between the main characters which is enlonged until the 82.89%, I say it after having checked in my reading progress 🥱 Too frustrating, too exasperating, definitely too boring for me to wait their ❛HEA❜ 🙄 I'm overreacting, but it made me angry whilst I was reading this because their relationship developed in the middle of an atmosphere of mistrust, thus they were only linked by spontaneous hook-ups. So nice to read, of course, but the constant refuse as a result of their sexual encounters made me to roll my eyes until the back of my skull every page I turned. Cassius was a headache personified, but Graeme didn't stay short, because his final outbreak—until get his brain to work—was completely out of place 🤔 ❛I love you❜, but two pages later I will curse you as if you were Satan 🤡 In the end, I felt like their feelings were forced because the book needed a romantic relationship on board. Feelings don't fluctuate as drastically as they were written here.
❌ Sided characters are not well developed 🥴 I feel that only know the main pairing, the dumbass of Lennox—because he tends to push himself forward from the beggining—the Corbins—father and daughter—and Hewitts—dad and mum, as if you could avoid her, haha— 🥀 I don't know who the heck are the rest of Founding Families and their family ties in spite of the family tree 🥵 I consider that it is not well explained, sadly. Ah, I forgot stand out the bottany's proffesor and their magic vines 🌱 Nice guy and skills!
❌ The evil inside 😈 What kind of Trojan Horse was this? It's quite an unsupported argument for me to be believable.
In the end, I've decided to give this book three stars 🌟 My decision is given by being able to expose who the heck was the main villian ♥ This fact was what kept me sitting on a chair and running out of fingernails. The author owes me a manicure 💅
❝There’s no disputing about taste❞ said the Latin quote ♥ It perfectly fits for Malum Discordiae, a dark book written by the talented Ashlyn Drewek, who already conquested me with The Kidnapping of Roan Sinclair , whose review you could find in the previous link 😚
Today is a day of proverbs, so another one by Heraclitus said like that: ❝Without hope it is impossible to find the unexpected❞ 🌹 Maybe, it was my problem with Malum Discordiae, that my hopes were at its maximum after reading The Kidnapping of Roan Sinclair, a book with which Ashlyn Drewek was able to touch my soft spot, despite its bits of mistakes as every book has got ♥ Malum Discordiae has not achieved it, sadly 🥀
It does not mean that the book is bad, not a bit of it! There are plenty positives in this book, but I was expecting more from a dark novel with a dark academy 💀 where witches and Necromancers wandering around mystical landscapes whilst start a war against demons 👹 , phantoms 👻 and other scary creatures 👺 There was a bit of everything, but it was approached from a juvenile perspective, quite diferent from I expected.
◾ Malum Discordiae is the first installment which stands into the ❝Tennebrose❞ universe and the series about it ❥ Cassius and Graeme—Necromancer and weather witch, respectively—belong to different families who share a blood feud from centuries ago ⚔️ But what they don't know is that they are the two sides of a single coin 💸: Cassius isn't just a Necromancer, is a blood witch and Graeme is a Stormbringer, a kind of weather witch more powerful than the averaged ones ⚡
◾ When the first one is back in the town of Winslow to attend Tennebrose University, stranger things start to happen around him and, obviously, Graeme is going to be envolved 😏 These two boys must to put their feud away and teaming up in order to fight the evil forces which menace to destroy them and their magical heritage. And this is not exactly a lightweight, because a demon is on their trail and is deeply obsessed with trying to murder them 😈
◾ Positives:
✔️ World-building's magnificence 🦉 🍂 Ashlyn Drewek has made a great job here, plus she told that this book took longer to write than most of her books. Writing about magic elements and fantasy places with family trees involved is quite complex, and it is worthy of being noticed and award. But I think that, in this case, the greater the world-building is the weaker is the plot and its ending.
✔️ Tennebrose University is plenty of mysteries and plot-twist《
✔️ Speaking of carnage... 🩸 There are plenty gory paragraphs, so people who has sensitive hearts or stomachs, don't read it 🔞 I enjoyed it because it was all the mature subject I could get by reading this novel 🤡 Sex aside, of course!
◾ Negatives:
❌ Romeo and Juliet's shadow is too long to overtake it 💔Cassius and Graeme don't work as a couple for me to believe their relationship. Maybe it is due to the complex enemies-to-lovers trope, in which the transition between the two phases is not always the fluent it is expected of it. Malum Discordiae offers to the reader an up and down relationship between the main characters which is enlonged until the 82.89%, I say it after having checked in my reading progress 🥱 Too frustrating, too exasperating, definitely too boring for me to wait their ❛HEA❜ 🙄 I'm overreacting, but it made me angry whilst I was reading this because their relationship developed in the middle of an atmosphere of mistrust, thus they were only linked by spontaneous hook-ups. So nice to read, of course, but the constant refuse as a result of their sexual encounters made me to roll my eyes until the back of my skull every page I turned. Cassius was a headache personified, but Graeme didn't stay short, because his final outbreak—until get his brain to work—was completely out of place 🤔 ❛I love you❜, but two pages later I will curse you as if you were Satan 🤡 In the end, I felt like their feelings were forced because the book needed a romantic relationship on board. Feelings don't fluctuate as drastically as they were written here.
❌ Sided characters are not well developed 🥴 I feel that only know the main pairing, the dumbass of Lennox—because he tends to push himself forward from the beggining—the Corbins—father and daughter—and Hewitts—dad and mum, as if you could avoid her, haha— 🥀 I don't know who the heck are the rest of Founding Families and their family ties in spite of the family tree 🥵 I consider that it is not well explained, sadly. Ah, I forgot stand out the bottany's proffesor and their magic vines 🌱 Nice guy and skills!
❌ The evil inside 😈 What kind of Trojan Horse was this? It's quite an unsupported argument for me to be believable.
In the end, I've decided to give this book three stars 🌟 My decision is given by being able to expose who the heck was the main villian ♥ This fact was what kept me sitting on a chair and running out of fingernails. The author owes me a manicure 💅
April 14, 2024
4.45/5⭐ 4/5🌶️ 2/5😱
Obsessed. This was absolutely the best gothic-y dark academia M/M's I have ever read.
It was hot, their relationship dynamic was antagonistic and believably rivalrous, and there was plenty of mystery and things were happening. I also very much loved the writing, and while there were some minor mistakes and editing could have been done a tad better, it was enjoyable enough that i am willing to let that go.
Malum Discordiae (beautifully named after a theme within the book, the Apple of Discord) is somewhat of a Romeo & Juliet retelling, but make it super witchy and M/M. The book tells the story of two young men, from rivalling families - Cassius (Cash) Corbin, a Necromancer from a Blood Magic family, and Graeme Hewitt, a Stormbringer from the Weather Magic family. Both attend Tennebrose uni, have a hot meet cute in the beginning of a semester and end up in each others' sights. Once they find out who they really are (and the reader learns of the tragedies the connect the two families for centuries) they embark on a journey of fighting each other and their feelings.
The world building is very visual and fascinating and i wouldn't call it vague at all, were it not for the one detail which is also the reason for dropping to not-quite-5-stars for me. I sorely missed any human mortal characters. We had
💀Demons
💀Witches of all varieties
💀Deacons of congregations
💀Spirits and Ghosts
💀Crows and poppets
💀Poison apples (naturally)
But we didn't have a Matt Donovan (TVD reference, idc)
Where was the endlessly vulnerable and bodily weak mortal human to protect in this story? At least one?
Anyway, other than that this was gothic dark academia mystery perfection, with demon summoning, crow telepathy, divination by crossing over, storm bringing, natural phenomenon manipulation, very hot flip f*cking, poisoned apples, late night crypt necromancy sessions, forbidden love and a university with Botany classes (which is almost like Herbology in Hogwarts really).
Highly recommend if you're into paranormal romance and dark academia,
I'm obviously off to read Igni Ferroque
Obsessed. This was absolutely the best gothic-y dark academia M/M's I have ever read.
It was hot, their relationship dynamic was antagonistic and believably rivalrous, and there was plenty of mystery and things were happening. I also very much loved the writing, and while there were some minor mistakes and editing could have been done a tad better, it was enjoyable enough that i am willing to let that go.
Malum Discordiae (beautifully named after a theme within the book, the Apple of Discord) is somewhat of a Romeo & Juliet retelling, but make it super witchy and M/M. The book tells the story of two young men, from rivalling families - Cassius (Cash) Corbin, a Necromancer from a Blood Magic family, and Graeme Hewitt, a Stormbringer from the Weather Magic family. Both attend Tennebrose uni, have a hot meet cute in the beginning of a semester and end up in each others' sights. Once they find out who they really are (and the reader learns of the tragedies the connect the two families for centuries) they embark on a journey of fighting each other and their feelings.
The world building is very visual and fascinating and i wouldn't call it vague at all, were it not for the one detail which is also the reason for dropping to not-quite-5-stars for me. I sorely missed any human mortal characters. We had
💀Demons
💀Witches of all varieties
💀Deacons of congregations
💀Spirits and Ghosts
💀Crows and poppets
💀Poison apples (naturally)
But we didn't have a Matt Donovan (TVD reference, idc)
Where was the endlessly vulnerable and bodily weak mortal human to protect in this story? At least one?
Anyway, other than that this was gothic dark academia mystery perfection, with demon summoning, crow telepathy, divination by crossing over, storm bringing, natural phenomenon manipulation, very hot flip f*cking, poisoned apples, late night crypt necromancy sessions, forbidden love and a university with Botany classes (which is almost like Herbology in Hogwarts really).
Highly recommend if you're into paranormal romance and dark academia,
I'm obviously off to read Igni Ferroque
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March 29, 2022
"My advice? Take happiness where you can find it. Life's too fucking short for the rest of the bullshit."
"That's the problem, though. Our happiness comes at the expense of other people."
"Fuck 'em. It's your life. Don't forget that."
i loved the banters between the mcs, Cassius and Graeme, and it was an enjoyable read overall with the world building, characters and story but i felt like what was missing for me was the dark vibe?? idk if it was bc i just felt the darker tone more in Ashlyn's previous books and maybe this was dark to some people... but it just wasn't there for me? i did feel the Romeo & Juliet forbidden aspect and i loved how it was incorporated in the story. oh, and one other thing that annoyed me was the way Graeme would be indecisive with whether he should trust Cassius or not and, in a way, i understood where he was coming from bc this was a feud between their families that originated long ago but, at the same time, i just kept thinking you either trust him or not, stop going back and forth. 😭
i LOVED Ainsworth, though. he was the true mvp. probably my fav character in the book. <3
"That's the problem, though. Our happiness comes at the expense of other people."
"Fuck 'em. It's your life. Don't forget that."
i loved the banters between the mcs, Cassius and Graeme, and it was an enjoyable read overall with the world building, characters and story but i felt like what was missing for me was the dark vibe?? idk if it was bc i just felt the darker tone more in Ashlyn's previous books and maybe this was dark to some people... but it just wasn't there for me? i did feel the Romeo & Juliet forbidden aspect and i loved how it was incorporated in the story. oh, and one other thing that annoyed me was the way Graeme would be indecisive with whether he should trust Cassius or not and, in a way, i understood where he was coming from bc this was a feud between their families that originated long ago but, at the same time, i just kept thinking you either trust him or not, stop going back and forth. 😭
i LOVED Ainsworth, though. he was the true mvp. probably my fav character in the book. <3
July 5, 2025
Hi. I don't know if you have the time to read this, but here.
I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK!! You know, you get that feeling, the one which pings you even before you're 50% into the book. Tells you that this one's gonna be a keeper? Yes. I'm talking about that feeling. This book... hmm... how do I describe this...🤔 Ever fantasized about Malfoy and Harry? Thought what those two together would've been like? This book was exactly that and MORE. Caters to all your fantasies of what those two would've been like together. But better.
Enemies to lovers? ✅️
Steamy sex? ✅️
Bloodthirsty demons? ✅️✅️✅️
Good plot? ✅️✅️ MORE LIKE AMAZING PLOT!!
Loveable characters? ✅️
Magic system and world building? ✅️✅️✅️
Unmatched love confession? ✅️✅️✅️
Yearning and pining? ✅️✅️✅️✅️
I did not want to leave this world and all the amazing characters behind. Even though I wanted Lennox and Preston to have their own book, it's ok. I hope Ashlyn Drewek decides to write more books in this series, because I'll tell you this, we don't have enough good MM books with witches and demons and necromancers in them.
I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK!! You know, you get that feeling, the one which pings you even before you're 50% into the book. Tells you that this one's gonna be a keeper? Yes. I'm talking about that feeling. This book... hmm... how do I describe this...🤔 Ever fantasized about Malfoy and Harry? Thought what those two together would've been like? This book was exactly that and MORE. Caters to all your fantasies of what those two would've been like together. But better.
Enemies to lovers? ✅️
Steamy sex? ✅️
Bloodthirsty demons? ✅️✅️✅️
Good plot? ✅️✅️ MORE LIKE AMAZING PLOT!!
Loveable characters? ✅️
Magic system and world building? ✅️✅️✅️
Unmatched love confession? ✅️✅️✅️
Yearning and pining? ✅️✅️✅️✅️
I did not want to leave this world and all the amazing characters behind. Even though I wanted Lennox and Preston to have their own book, it's ok. I hope Ashlyn Drewek decides to write more books in this series, because I'll tell you this, we don't have enough good MM books with witches and demons and necromancers in them.
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April 15, 2023
“For the first time in over three centuries, the stars have aligned and brought these two together."
Soul mates, star-crossed lovers, witches, curses and murders.
I really enjoyed the story, the mystery, the world-building and the lore of Malum Discordiae. It's been a long time since I read a paranormal romance about witches and magic. Ashlyn Drewek created an amazing world with a fascinating magic system. The world of Tennebrose is top notch. It was a good blend of action, mystery and romance.
Cassius and Graeme....they drove me crazy. While the whole "I want to kill you" aspect was not really strong, the insane hostility to the point of irrationality made me want to throw my Kindle a few times. It was like every step towards some kind of progress or civility in their relationship one of them would open their mouth, and now we're back to square one. Both of them drove me nuts. They reminded me of my love/hate relationship with the enemies-to-lovers trope.
However, it was lovely once they got over themselves and we had those moments of vulnerability and tenderness. The sexual chemistry between them was excellent! While a good chunk of their interactions exhausted me, I'm happy they got their HEA at the end.
Despite my few issues, I enjoyed it, especially once the story got going and Cassius and Graeme weren't driving me crazy. While the story isn't dark dark there's a fair amount of violence and bloodshed. I am excited to start Igni Ferroque and look forward to what’s next to come from the world of Tennebrose
Soul mates, star-crossed lovers, witches, curses and murders.
I really enjoyed the story, the mystery, the world-building and the lore of Malum Discordiae. It's been a long time since I read a paranormal romance about witches and magic. Ashlyn Drewek created an amazing world with a fascinating magic system. The world of Tennebrose is top notch. It was a good blend of action, mystery and romance.
Cassius and Graeme....they drove me crazy. While the whole "I want to kill you" aspect was not really strong, the insane hostility to the point of irrationality made me want to throw my Kindle a few times. It was like every step towards some kind of progress or civility in their relationship one of them would open their mouth, and now we're back to square one. Both of them drove me nuts. They reminded me of my love/hate relationship with the enemies-to-lovers trope.
However, it was lovely once they got over themselves and we had those moments of vulnerability and tenderness. The sexual chemistry between them was excellent! While a good chunk of their interactions exhausted me, I'm happy they got their HEA at the end.
“My brain is confused. All I know is that you are all I can think about these days. You’re driving me crazy, Cash. It’s like nothing in the world makes sense until you come around, then everything feels… right.”
"You might as well rip my heart out and take it with you, because you’re it for me, Cassius. I know it, just like I know when the leaves will drop or when the first snowfall comes. I fucking know it. And I know you feel it too. On some level.”
Despite my few issues, I enjoyed it, especially once the story got going and Cassius and Graeme weren't driving me crazy. While the story isn't dark dark there's a fair amount of violence and bloodshed. I am excited to start Igni Ferroque and look forward to what’s next to come from the world of Tennebrose
physical-read
September 23, 2025 EDIT — So disappointing. One of my faves.
Original review
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
Harry Potter meets Romeo & Juliet in this queer enemies to lovers.
The dark academia vibes, the magic, the banter, the fine line between hate & love, the mystery, the family feud drama — all the right ingredients for me to absolutely love this.
The banter between Cash and Graeme was so fun, the literal sparks between them, the passion palpable. High heat yes, but I also loved the slow burn romance, them fighting their feelings and struggling between the pull for their other half and what they’ve always believed.
The mystery plot was also intriguing and fun (even if I knew the ending).
Definitely worth the reread, and still one of my faves.
TROPES:
ོ Dark Academia
ོ Necromancer vs Nature witch
ོ Enemies to lovers
ོ High heat/slow burn
ོ MC w/ heterochromia
CWs & NSFW (spoilers):
- Murder, suicide
- References to animal death & cruelty
- Dub-con
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Flip-fucking
- 69
- Light blood play
- Semi-public sex (library)
Original review
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
“It’s not happening, baby, so go bark up another tree.”
“I like this tree.”
Harry Potter meets Romeo & Juliet in this queer enemies to lovers.
The dark academia vibes, the magic, the banter, the fine line between hate & love, the mystery, the family feud drama — all the right ingredients for me to absolutely love this.
“You’re insane.”
“Or bewitched.” He tipped my chin-up with one finger, meeting my gaze with a sexy smirk.
“Did you hex me, Necromancer?”
The banter between Cash and Graeme was so fun, the literal sparks between them, the passion palpable. High heat yes, but I also loved the slow burn romance, them fighting their feelings and struggling between the pull for their other half and what they’ve always believed.
My head hates him for a thousand reasons, but there was a want in my blood I couldn’t deny.
The mystery plot was also intriguing and fun (even if I knew the ending).
Definitely worth the reread, and still one of my faves.
No matter what happened after this, in this moment Graeme Hewitt was mine.
TROPES:
ོ Dark Academia
ོ Necromancer vs Nature witch
ོ Enemies to lovers
ོ High heat/slow burn
ོ MC w/ heterochromia
CWs & NSFW (spoilers):
- Murder, suicide
- References to animal death & cruelty
- Dub-con
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Flip-fucking
- 69
- Light blood play
- Semi-public sex (library)
September 9, 2023
Re-read Audio style 9/2-9/6/23
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
RTC
ORIGINAL REVIEW 10/7-10/11/22
Could this have been any more perfect?! (Totally channeling Chandler Bing!)
This gave me The Covenant vibes so hard, it was also reminiscent of Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo and The Secret Circle series by LJ Smith. So basically it was everything I love!
Cassius and Graeme are Star-crossed lovers, their families have been feuding for centuries. There’s a thin line between love and hate and these boys straddle that line like crazy. If they weren’t trying to kill each other, they were getting each other off.
In the midst of all that drama, there’s a demon knocking people off and they have to work together to get to the bottom of it.
Non-stop action kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. It was the epitome of a whodunnit brimming with red herrings. If you saw who was responsible you’re a regular Sherlock.
The witchy world building was on point, I adored the clear line drawn between the white and dark witches. The way they treated the necromancers had my blood boiling, I was definitely team Crow! I especially had a soft spot for Cash’s dad Caius, I’d give anything for him to star in his own book, perhaps even sell my soul.
There was a huge cast of interesting characters that you both loved and hated, some at the same time. The professors were two of my favorites, especially Ainsworth and his plants.
Seriously, I could go on and on about this one. I’m certain it’ll be my favorite read during the Halloween season.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
RTC
ORIGINAL REVIEW 10/7-10/11/22
Could this have been any more perfect?! (Totally channeling Chandler Bing!)
This gave me The Covenant vibes so hard, it was also reminiscent of Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo and The Secret Circle series by LJ Smith. So basically it was everything I love!
Cassius and Graeme are Star-crossed lovers, their families have been feuding for centuries. There’s a thin line between love and hate and these boys straddle that line like crazy. If they weren’t trying to kill each other, they were getting each other off.
In the midst of all that drama, there’s a demon knocking people off and they have to work together to get to the bottom of it.
Non-stop action kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. It was the epitome of a whodunnit brimming with red herrings. If you saw who was responsible you’re a regular Sherlock.
The witchy world building was on point, I adored the clear line drawn between the white and dark witches. The way they treated the necromancers had my blood boiling, I was definitely team Crow! I especially had a soft spot for Cash’s dad Caius, I’d give anything for him to star in his own book, perhaps even sell my soul.
There was a huge cast of interesting characters that you both loved and hated, some at the same time. The professors were two of my favorites, especially Ainsworth and his plants.
Seriously, I could go on and on about this one. I’m certain it’ll be my favorite read during the Halloween season.
Read
March 28, 2022DNF @29%
Gonna keep my thoughts to myself. 😖
Gonna keep my thoughts to myself. 😖
September 24, 2025
Loved it. I only have one complaint.
__________________________
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 READ 2022 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 AUDIO 2023 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
***********
Tennebrose Series
Book 1 - Malum Discordiae - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Igni Ferroque - 4.75 stars
Novellas in the Tennebrose Universe
Caligo
Mortem Obire - 4.0 stars
Mortifer - 3.5 stars
__________________________
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 READ 2022 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 AUDIO 2023 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
***********
Tennebrose Series
Book 1 - Malum Discordiae - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Igni Ferroque - 4.75 stars
Novellas in the Tennebrose Universe
Caligo
Mortem Obire - 4.0 stars
Mortifer - 3.5 stars
November 2, 2023
Malum Discordiae has such good spooky vibes. It's enemies-to-lovers from rival families. Cassius and Graeme's romance was so good. We get both their perspectives, so we see their hatred and preconceived notions of one another. And how it develops as they're pushed together and investigate a spatter of brutal murders, and the town's secrets. Immaculate atmosphere.
Set in the town of Winslow where witches reside and have a semi-secret society. It's more of an open secret as long time residents know, and the others would have to be pretty oblivious with the way some of our characters use their powers in public.
Cassius and Graeme's meet cute is so iconic. I don't want to spoil even a bit of it so that's all I'm going to say, just read it 🤭
I loved this and it's 5 stars for certain, but if there's one thing I could nitpick it's that the solution of the mystery is a bit quick and some of it even happens off page.
I listened to this on audio and J.F. Harding was a perfect narrator! Hopefully I don't have too long of a wait for book 2's audio to come out.
Set in the town of Winslow where witches reside and have a semi-secret society. It's more of an open secret as long time residents know, and the others would have to be pretty oblivious with the way some of our characters use their powers in public.
Cassius and Graeme's meet cute is so iconic. I don't want to spoil even a bit of it so that's all I'm going to say, just read it 🤭
I loved this and it's 5 stars for certain, but if there's one thing I could nitpick it's that the solution of the mystery is a bit quick and some of it even happens off page.
I listened to this on audio and J.F. Harding was a perfect narrator! Hopefully I don't have too long of a wait for book 2's audio to come out.
March 28, 2024
HOLY SHIT. I'm definitely rereading this later.
September 30, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“Underneath all of the hate and anger and stupid lust, was there something else?
Was it love that made my blood come alive? Love that made the knot in my chest loosen whenever he was around?
I had no fucking clue. I’d never loved anyone before.”
For a series that has a very dark premise, the first book in the Tennebrose world Malum Discordiae, was surprisingly quite a fun read. It gives off the vibe of a foreboding shadowy start, but the rivalry-chemistry between Graeme and Cassius was somehow, so utterly adorable and dare I say, it, endearing, that the darker elements of the storyline didn't really emphasis more of a sinister and evil role to the plot. Plus, seeing how much darker the second book in this series actually is, I was quite surprised that despite the Romeo vs Juliet enmity between Cassius and Graeme - they were so very cute together. 🥰
“You’re the one who approached me. Twice, I might add.”
“If you know what’s good for you, there won’t be a third time.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s a fucking promise.”
Taking the tug-of-war art of enemies to lovers to a whole other level are Cassius and Graeme - sons of two opposing families, sworn to enmity for more than three hundred years. But, as is the law of nature, opposites attract and unbeknownst to either of them, they can't help but keep their hands on each other. It was their constant push of don't touch me, and then, a few minutes later, with a pull of yes, please do, that had me so very charmed by their dynamic! 😅 They went all out in attacking each other with jibes and quips and physical attacks that didn't actually make them hate each other more, but want each other more! It was, at times so exhaustive, yet still so amusing to see their willful stubbornness, even when it shouldn't have been! 🧡🧡
Cassius Corbin, a blood-witch Necromancer, who 'was a lot like an autumn storm. Wild, unpredictable, but strangely comforting when you were prepared to withstand it' and strongly believes in his family values and wants to succeed in his future. Graeme, a weather witch- a Stormbringer and a dramatic 'self-centered, arrogant asshole - who has the power to control the weather at the tip of his hands - at the call of his heart.
But, all his heart wants is Cassius. And so begins the scorching pining, the wickedly flirtatious banter, the rigid abject rejection and the eventual reluctant acceptance that had both of them seeing flaming stars! ❤️🔥 It was so amusing to see how far and how long, either of them would deny how much they cared for each other - heavens forbid they love each other - that each instance of rejection was enough for me to cry out affectionately, just admit it, you fools! 🥹
“You said you’ve already accepted death, ” I said quietly, sliding my fingers into his dark hair and angling his face up toward my mouth. “So what are you afraid of?”
His gaze burned into mine, so much that I swore he was using lightning against me. Tiny sparks danced over my skin as he ran his hands up my abs, around my ribs, and up my back. “You.”
A slow smile spread over my lips as he pulled me closer. “Good.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you terrify me.”
But O-M-G, when they do actually get together, their chemistry was electrifying. Literally! 💫 Graeme was pretty much smitten right from the start, but when it dawns on Cassius, just how much he wants him, too, uff! That first scene in the library, I internally screamed at how intensely charged they were against the bookshelf!! It was explosive and smoking hot! 🫠 Even though, I DID get kind of tired that Graeme only ever thought with one thing when he saw Cassius - and it wasn't his brain. 😏 The garden, the sneaking into the bedroom with the infamous balcony scene, the horseback riding, the electric current that thrummed between them with 'more divination, more power, control' - all these scenes were incredible! 👍🏻👍🏻
“Maybe that’s why I loved him, even more than I wanted to admit out loud. Loving someone that much, giving them that much power over you, was bound to fucking hurt, but I couldn’t let him go.
Not now.”
But, when they stop hurling insults and injury to one another, their confession is so heart-felt and cute, it's the kind that turns you into mush for how sickeningly sweet they are with each other. 🥺 That their magnetic affection and mutual attraction is of the softest and kindest sort that is more meaningful than just for the sake of their family feud. The moments of vulnerability and open-hearted honesty really tugged at my heart, especially when Graeme is so apologetic for how much he made Cassius endure his advances. ❤️🩹 It was so soft and still so desperate in his yearning for more. Just seeing the kindness and tenderness they showed each other made me forgive all their idiocy I had to witness for them to actually get to this stage! 🤌🏻🤌🏻
“It doesn’t mean I’m ashamed of you. I would shout it from every rooftop in Winslow if you wanted me to. I just… you’re the first thing in my life they haven’t controlled.
You’re mine.”
And of course in a world of magic, there's going to be plenty of spells, demons, enchantments, and magical powers going awry that will add charm to the story - and they did. Amidst their fueling fire of desire, there was also a brutally unpredictable murder investigation tormenting their school, which eventually incorporated their own relationship into the fray of it - albeit in a less than amusing way for some of the spectators. ☺️ I loved the thrill of the hunt - the allure of the mystery and the compelling drive that both of them had to solve the pieces that had inadvertently together.
Towards the end, though, I think a lot of the story slowly fell apart; a lot of things were happening too quickly and all at once, and even the reveal to the mystery, itself, didn't quite deliver a mark as much as I had hoped. 😔 I liked how their family history played into the present and I especially appreciated how involved Cassius' father was with his son and his relationship with his mortal enemy - supportive fathers are such a treat and I loved that even his sense of calmness and rationality was enough for Cassius to realize some very important matters of the heart regarding Graeme. 🩶🩶
“The weight of everything I wanted to say — every apology, every “I love you,” just everything — hung between us, suspended like the cloud of our mingled breath.
I don’t think either of us wanted to ruin the moment by saying the wrong thing, so we said nothing.”
But, that ending was so ridiculously cheesy and dramatic, and so precious, I think my smile split from my face from how adorable that whole scene was! When the person calls you an idiot and a penguin - that's definitely true love, right there - soulmates to the very end. 🥰 After all that they made the readers endure - from their arguing, to their loving, to their fights and their tears, they had this absolutely dramatic and cheesy ending that was so over-the-top romantic that I could forgive the ending for not being as spectacular as I hoped it would have been. 🫶🏻🫶🏻 Because this magical world that Ashlyn Drewek has created still has so much more to offer, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. 🌠
“Underneath all of the hate and anger and stupid lust, was there something else?
Was it love that made my blood come alive? Love that made the knot in my chest loosen whenever he was around?
I had no fucking clue. I’d never loved anyone before.”
For a series that has a very dark premise, the first book in the Tennebrose world Malum Discordiae, was surprisingly quite a fun read. It gives off the vibe of a foreboding shadowy start, but the rivalry-chemistry between Graeme and Cassius was somehow, so utterly adorable and dare I say, it, endearing, that the darker elements of the storyline didn't really emphasis more of a sinister and evil role to the plot. Plus, seeing how much darker the second book in this series actually is, I was quite surprised that despite the Romeo vs Juliet enmity between Cassius and Graeme - they were so very cute together. 🥰
“You’re the one who approached me. Twice, I might add.”
“If you know what’s good for you, there won’t be a third time.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s a fucking promise.”
Taking the tug-of-war art of enemies to lovers to a whole other level are Cassius and Graeme - sons of two opposing families, sworn to enmity for more than three hundred years. But, as is the law of nature, opposites attract and unbeknownst to either of them, they can't help but keep their hands on each other. It was their constant push of don't touch me, and then, a few minutes later, with a pull of yes, please do, that had me so very charmed by their dynamic! 😅 They went all out in attacking each other with jibes and quips and physical attacks that didn't actually make them hate each other more, but want each other more! It was, at times so exhaustive, yet still so amusing to see their willful stubbornness, even when it shouldn't have been! 🧡🧡
Cassius Corbin, a blood-witch Necromancer, who 'was a lot like an autumn storm. Wild, unpredictable, but strangely comforting when you were prepared to withstand it' and strongly believes in his family values and wants to succeed in his future. Graeme, a weather witch- a Stormbringer and a dramatic 'self-centered, arrogant asshole - who has the power to control the weather at the tip of his hands - at the call of his heart.
But, all his heart wants is Cassius. And so begins the scorching pining, the wickedly flirtatious banter, the rigid abject rejection and the eventual reluctant acceptance that had both of them seeing flaming stars! ❤️🔥 It was so amusing to see how far and how long, either of them would deny how much they cared for each other - heavens forbid they love each other - that each instance of rejection was enough for me to cry out affectionately, just admit it, you fools! 🥹
“You said you’ve already accepted death, ” I said quietly, sliding my fingers into his dark hair and angling his face up toward my mouth. “So what are you afraid of?”
His gaze burned into mine, so much that I swore he was using lightning against me. Tiny sparks danced over my skin as he ran his hands up my abs, around my ribs, and up my back. “You.”
A slow smile spread over my lips as he pulled me closer. “Good.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you terrify me.”
But O-M-G, when they do actually get together, their chemistry was electrifying. Literally! 💫 Graeme was pretty much smitten right from the start, but when it dawns on Cassius, just how much he wants him, too, uff! That first scene in the library, I internally screamed at how intensely charged they were against the bookshelf!! It was explosive and smoking hot! 🫠 Even though, I DID get kind of tired that Graeme only ever thought with one thing when he saw Cassius - and it wasn't his brain. 😏 The garden, the sneaking into the bedroom with the infamous balcony scene, the horseback riding, the electric current that thrummed between them with 'more divination, more power, control' - all these scenes were incredible! 👍🏻👍🏻
“Maybe that’s why I loved him, even more than I wanted to admit out loud. Loving someone that much, giving them that much power over you, was bound to fucking hurt, but I couldn’t let him go.
Not now.”
But, when they stop hurling insults and injury to one another, their confession is so heart-felt and cute, it's the kind that turns you into mush for how sickeningly sweet they are with each other. 🥺 That their magnetic affection and mutual attraction is of the softest and kindest sort that is more meaningful than just for the sake of their family feud. The moments of vulnerability and open-hearted honesty really tugged at my heart, especially when Graeme is so apologetic for how much he made Cassius endure his advances. ❤️🩹 It was so soft and still so desperate in his yearning for more. Just seeing the kindness and tenderness they showed each other made me forgive all their idiocy I had to witness for them to actually get to this stage! 🤌🏻🤌🏻
“It doesn’t mean I’m ashamed of you. I would shout it from every rooftop in Winslow if you wanted me to. I just… you’re the first thing in my life they haven’t controlled.
You’re mine.”
And of course in a world of magic, there's going to be plenty of spells, demons, enchantments, and magical powers going awry that will add charm to the story - and they did. Amidst their fueling fire of desire, there was also a brutally unpredictable murder investigation tormenting their school, which eventually incorporated their own relationship into the fray of it - albeit in a less than amusing way for some of the spectators. ☺️ I loved the thrill of the hunt - the allure of the mystery and the compelling drive that both of them had to solve the pieces that had inadvertently together.
Towards the end, though, I think a lot of the story slowly fell apart; a lot of things were happening too quickly and all at once, and even the reveal to the mystery, itself, didn't quite deliver a mark as much as I had hoped. 😔 I liked how their family history played into the present and I especially appreciated how involved Cassius' father was with his son and his relationship with his mortal enemy - supportive fathers are such a treat and I loved that even his sense of calmness and rationality was enough for Cassius to realize some very important matters of the heart regarding Graeme. 🩶🩶
“The weight of everything I wanted to say — every apology, every “I love you,” just everything — hung between us, suspended like the cloud of our mingled breath.
I don’t think either of us wanted to ruin the moment by saying the wrong thing, so we said nothing.”
But, that ending was so ridiculously cheesy and dramatic, and so precious, I think my smile split from my face from how adorable that whole scene was! When the person calls you an idiot and a penguin - that's definitely true love, right there - soulmates to the very end. 🥰 After all that they made the readers endure - from their arguing, to their loving, to their fights and their tears, they had this absolutely dramatic and cheesy ending that was so over-the-top romantic that I could forgive the ending for not being as spectacular as I hoped it would have been. 🫶🏻🫶🏻 Because this magical world that Ashlyn Drewek has created still has so much more to offer, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. 🌠
September 24, 2025
This read was incredibly disappointing. Definitely don’t vibe with the writing style. Won’t be reading others by this author.
October 6, 2024
All the characters in this deserve to die.
They have no redeeming qualities.
I don't understand the 5-star reviews.
This is the worst book I've read this year.
There was no love in this, the love was not even in the room with us.
This so-called romance was just a toxic lust.
While the plot could have been amazing, it gets dragged down by the characters that have 100 personalities and the toxic relationships that exist between all the characters.
Toxic relationships masquerading as love, no real character development or coherent personalities.
This makes the romance in Romeo and Juliet look healthy.
The ending for me is HFN cause I don't believe that Cassius and Graeme will stay together forever, especially because of how judgmental Graeme is.
They have no redeeming qualities.
I don't understand the 5-star reviews.
This is the worst book I've read this year.
There was no love in this, the love was not even in the room with us.
This so-called romance was just a toxic lust.
While the plot could have been amazing, it gets dragged down by the characters that have 100 personalities and the toxic relationships that exist between all the characters.
Toxic relationships masquerading as love, no real character development or coherent personalities.
This makes the romance in Romeo and Juliet look healthy.
The ending for me is HFN cause I don't believe that Cassius and Graeme will stay together forever, especially because of how judgmental Graeme is.
September 14, 2025
I originally DNF'd this and rated it 2 stars, but the author has said they're a conservative MM author. So taking this review and removing the star because if you write and profit off of queer stories but vote against human rights and queer rights, that's heinous and I absolutely will not support that :)
Original review:
1.5 stars, rounded up? There was a murder mystery plot that pulled me in a bit, which is why this is 1.5 stars and not just a 1 star read. Even then, I gave up at 80% and just skimmed the rest.
The characters were...not it. There was a lot of coercion and the MCs were immature. Zero character development, no chemistry, and lots of telling and not showing.
Original review:
1.5 stars, rounded up? There was a murder mystery plot that pulled me in a bit, which is why this is 1.5 stars and not just a 1 star read. Even then, I gave up at 80% and just skimmed the rest.
The characters were...not it. There was a lot of coercion and the MCs were immature. Zero character development, no chemistry, and lots of telling and not showing.
July 2, 2022
I WANT MORE OF THEM !!
November 25, 2023
i was highly entertained. no boring parts whatsoever. everyone and everything pulled their own weight to deliver a great story about witchcraft and dark magic. its just that the romance.... wasn't romancing enough for me. so many shocking things are happening all at once to that point that my interest got fixated more to those than the romance. i even told myself that if both mcs didn't end up together, i'm okay with it.
March 4, 2022
Here's the thing, you think you're ready for this book, but I am here to assure you that you in fact, are not. So brace yourself. You're welcome! 🥰
Caution: This is a dark romance with paranormal elements, and as usual with this author, there were no holds barred. Please heed the trigger warnings 🖤
This thiccc baby snatched me from the get-go. As usual, I don't have the words, but I promise to refrain from using too many emojis or exclamation marks...((this is a lie))
Initial reaction: HOLY FREAKING SHIRTBALLS!!! I just inhaled this and I'm still breathless. Excuse me while I go cry in Canadian 😭
Reasons we love enemies-to-lovers:
_"I loathe you but I'd also eat your face" 🤌🏾
_Verbal sparring before and during sexy times 🤌🏾
_"Mine" in italics!!! because it's 50% into the book and can really only be a thought at this point 🤌🏾
_Unmatched "I love you" confessions 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
Reasons we love forbidden romance:
_Sitting side by side, considerable distance apart so it's not too obvious, but close enough to hold hands (gahhh!!!)
_PINING!
_Sneaking out from balconies the morning after sexy times
_PINING!!
_Said sexy times sometimes occuring in hidden places like a crypt
_PINING!!! 🤤
Reasons you have to read this book:
_See above 😅 BUT ALSO..
_It's the quintessential enemies-to-lovers set up featuring almost-star-crossed-lovers (dw it's an HEA) from feuding families, who are supposed to hate each other but can't seem to stay away?! TAKE ALL MY MONEY!!! 💳💳💥💳💳💳💥
There is a smart mouthed loveable grump named Cassius and a flirty tenacious sunshine named Graeme who are fighting (not really) this insane inevitable attraction while also attempting to solve a mystery. Oh yeah there's weather magic and the other one talks to crows 🤯
If my alter ego was a book, it'd be this one. With the seriously insane world building we get that gothic dark academia vibe, eerie yet gripping storyline, a well-researched background and setting, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. Ashlyn Drewek just wrote a fantasy-like novel, snatched my wig, and walked away like it was nothing. THE AUDACITY, THE GALL, THE GUMPTION! All hail this Dark MM romance queen 😌👏🏾
5 stars, 10/10, cannot recommend enough, if you like these tropes!
Coming March 28th!
Caution: This is a dark romance with paranormal elements, and as usual with this author, there were no holds barred. Please heed the trigger warnings 🖤
This thiccc baby snatched me from the get-go. As usual, I don't have the words, but I promise to refrain from using too many emojis or exclamation marks...((this is a lie))
Initial reaction: HOLY FREAKING SHIRTBALLS!!! I just inhaled this and I'm still breathless. Excuse me while I go cry in Canadian 😭
Reasons we love enemies-to-lovers:
_"I loathe you but I'd also eat your face" 🤌🏾
_Verbal sparring before and during sexy times 🤌🏾
_"Mine" in italics!!! because it's 50% into the book and can really only be a thought at this point 🤌🏾
_Unmatched "I love you" confessions 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
Reasons we love forbidden romance:
_Sitting side by side, considerable distance apart so it's not too obvious, but close enough to hold hands (gahhh!!!)
_PINING!
_Sneaking out from balconies the morning after sexy times
_PINING!!
_Said sexy times sometimes occuring in hidden places like a crypt
_PINING!!! 🤤
Reasons you have to read this book:
_See above 😅 BUT ALSO..
_It's the quintessential enemies-to-lovers set up featuring almost-star-crossed-lovers (dw it's an HEA) from feuding families, who are supposed to hate each other but can't seem to stay away?! TAKE ALL MY MONEY!!! 💳💳💥💳💳💳💥
There is a smart mouthed loveable grump named Cassius and a flirty tenacious sunshine named Graeme who are fighting (not really) this insane inevitable attraction while also attempting to solve a mystery. Oh yeah there's weather magic and the other one talks to crows 🤯
If my alter ego was a book, it'd be this one. With the seriously insane world building we get that gothic dark academia vibe, eerie yet gripping storyline, a well-researched background and setting, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. Ashlyn Drewek just wrote a fantasy-like novel, snatched my wig, and walked away like it was nothing. THE AUDACITY, THE GALL, THE GUMPTION! All hail this Dark MM romance queen 😌👏🏾
5 stars, 10/10, cannot recommend enough, if you like these tropes!
Coming March 28th!
May 3, 2024
5 penguins 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧
First, thanks to J.F. Harding for renewing my love for audiobooks after about 4 or 5 duds I had to suffer through.
I came into this book thinking that it would be very technical and there would be a lot of back story that I would have to sift through in order to enjoy the plot between the MCs. It wasn't that at all. The passion (of all kinds) between Graeme and Cash was intense. True enemies to lovers. One nearly fatally injures the other right in the beginning of the book. Pretty gruesome.
Their intense attraction to each other was on another level. And Graeme? That suave mofo had me swooning a time or two. When he wasn't being an asshole, he was being a Romeo. He pursued Cash HARD, loved him hard, but also hurt him pretty dang badly. I teared up at how shitty he was to Cash at certain parts of the book. Like, Cash's feelings were HURT hurt to the point that it would have been perfectly reasonable to for him to, I dunno....chop off one of Graeme's fingers in revenge? And not have to apologize for it? I certainly wouldn't convict him in a court of law.
This book does have a happy ending for the MCs. I feel like I should say MOSTLY happy, but I don't want to give anyone the impression that anything necessarily goes wrong at the end. It's just that some really terrible truths are revealed, and they'll have to grapple with that information while being happy in their relationship.
P.S.
Thanks to the lovely Christine for reminding me that this was even on my TBR.
First, thanks to J.F. Harding for renewing my love for audiobooks after about 4 or 5 duds I had to suffer through.
I came into this book thinking that it would be very technical and there would be a lot of back story that I would have to sift through in order to enjoy the plot between the MCs. It wasn't that at all. The passion (of all kinds) between Graeme and Cash was intense. True enemies to lovers. One nearly fatally injures the other right in the beginning of the book. Pretty gruesome.
Their intense attraction to each other was on another level. And Graeme? That suave mofo had me swooning a time or two. When he wasn't being an asshole, he was being a Romeo. He pursued Cash HARD, loved him hard, but also hurt him pretty dang badly. I teared up at how shitty he was to Cash at certain parts of the book. Like, Cash's feelings were HURT hurt to the point that it would have been perfectly reasonable to for him to, I dunno....chop off one of Graeme's fingers in revenge? And not have to apologize for it? I certainly wouldn't convict him in a court of law.
This book does have a happy ending for the MCs. I feel like I should say MOSTLY happy, but I don't want to give anyone the impression that anything necessarily goes wrong at the end. It's just that some really terrible truths are revealed, and they'll have to grapple with that information while being happy in their relationship.
P.S.
Thanks to the lovely Christine for reminding me that this was even on my TBR.
October 10, 2023
Cash and Graeme!!!! I Loved this witch retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The concept of a forbidden romance between two warring witch families intrigued me, but it was Cash and Graeme that left me hooked on this story.
Cash and Graeme have instantaneous chemistry without knowing each other's identity. When their identities are revealed it leads to a fantastic forbidden romance featuring ancient rival witch families.
Alongside the forbidden romance, I also loved the visual representation of the witch duels between Cash, the Necromancer, and Graeme, a Stormbringer. When their powers interact their duels are destructive, powerful, and decimating. I also enjoyed the gradual increase of the intensity in their duels as their attraction and feelings grew as well.
The love story is the fuel for this story but another winning aspect is the complex world-building of a secret society of ancient witch families featuring, light, neutral and dark witches.
Malum Discordiae is another addictive love story set in a fascinating world of betrayal, power, and desire. I look forward to future installments in this wonderful universe.
Cash and Graeme have instantaneous chemistry without knowing each other's identity. When their identities are revealed it leads to a fantastic forbidden romance featuring ancient rival witch families.
Alongside the forbidden romance, I also loved the visual representation of the witch duels between Cash, the Necromancer, and Graeme, a Stormbringer. When their powers interact their duels are destructive, powerful, and decimating. I also enjoyed the gradual increase of the intensity in their duels as their attraction and feelings grew as well.
The love story is the fuel for this story but another winning aspect is the complex world-building of a secret society of ancient witch families featuring, light, neutral and dark witches.
Malum Discordiae is another addictive love story set in a fascinating world of betrayal, power, and desire. I look forward to future installments in this wonderful universe.
April 6, 2022
Wow. I kind of fell head over heels for this book.
The setting and the setup. The families and the history. The romance and the mystery. All of it just worked for me.
I loved both of these boys even though I wanted to throttle them. I loved their connection even though their history should have made it impossible, instead, it made it fate.
Their verbal sparring was just pigtail pulling and a heated foreplay. They had to have been so confused.
The more I think about the things that kind of bugged me throughout the story the less they bother me now that I’ve finished. I mean, these guys were 18 and 19 so they were going to be a tad annoying. They also were born into 300 years of hate so yeah; it is all they knew. So, while some of the back and forth and indecisiveness drove me batty, it really made sense. Once I just accepted those things, I gobbled up the story and just fell in love.
I didn’t want the story to end but I couldn’t bring myself to slow down my reading at all. It’s one of those stories that I want to read all over again.
It wasn’t perfect but really seemed perfect for me. There were some things that just didn’t make sense and I had to just suspend belief and roll with it. The editing was good until close to the end, I started noticing some missing words or wrong wording, but they were very minimal.
I also was 95% sure whodunnit early on, and well, I was right. But none of that took away from the story itself.
It looks like this is going to be a series now, I have no idea if it will be the same couple or a new one. I have no idea about any of it, but I know I can’t wait to find out.
The book might not truly be a five star read, but I’m giving it that anyway.
Good witchy stuff! Give me more!
The setting and the setup. The families and the history. The romance and the mystery. All of it just worked for me.
I loved both of these boys even though I wanted to throttle them. I loved their connection even though their history should have made it impossible, instead, it made it fate.
Their verbal sparring was just pigtail pulling and a heated foreplay. They had to have been so confused.
The more I think about the things that kind of bugged me throughout the story the less they bother me now that I’ve finished. I mean, these guys were 18 and 19 so they were going to be a tad annoying. They also were born into 300 years of hate so yeah; it is all they knew. So, while some of the back and forth and indecisiveness drove me batty, it really made sense. Once I just accepted those things, I gobbled up the story and just fell in love.
I didn’t want the story to end but I couldn’t bring myself to slow down my reading at all. It’s one of those stories that I want to read all over again.
It wasn’t perfect but really seemed perfect for me. There were some things that just didn’t make sense and I had to just suspend belief and roll with it. The editing was good until close to the end, I started noticing some missing words or wrong wording, but they were very minimal.
I also was 95% sure whodunnit early on, and well, I was right. But none of that took away from the story itself.
It looks like this is going to be a series now, I have no idea if it will be the same couple or a new one. I have no idea about any of it, but I know I can’t wait to find out.
The book might not truly be a five star read, but I’m giving it that anyway.
Good witchy stuff! Give me more!
May 18, 2022
I had such high hopes for this book. It sounded really good. The plot and the world were pretty good. In theory. The execution of the story left a lot to be desired. Very shallow character development, lots of telling and no showing. Graeme was a pretty likable character but Cash was maniac and all over the place in everything he said and did. I found him exhausting. Literally in the same scene he would be "I hate you" then a few sentences later "I need to be with you". The entire book was like this. Just so scattered and frenetic. Nothing made sense to me. In example at the beginning Cash asks Graeme to go to the morgue with him. Keeping in mind they've just met and they hate each other. There's no real reason for it. It was like the author wanted to go down a certain road in the story so just threw this out there to get where she was headed. This is just one example. The entire books reads this way. I'm not sure how it was so long but was really more like an outline of a book plot with no real development or exploration in between the plot points.
Sadly it was a huge miss for me and I won't be reading the next in the series.
Sadly it was a huge miss for me and I won't be reading the next in the series.
December 11, 2025
Update for anyone who cares, this author called themself a conservative and is part of a MAGA author group.
https://bsky.app/profile/chel-c-cam.b...
Original review: DNF@10%
I can just tell this isn’t for me
https://bsky.app/profile/chel-c-cam.b...
Original review: DNF@10%
I can just tell this isn’t for me
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