For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love and a twisty murder mystery set within the perilous halls of a magical institute. With thanks to Keighley_Reads for the below review!
A new author and a new area of Fantasy for me with this latest read and review – thanks, Katy, for thinking of me when this Advanced Reading Copy arrived through the post!
Deathbringer promised a lot – Dark Academia, forbidden romance, death magic, and necromancy – and for the most part, it delivers. It also weaves in a compelling murder mystery, with plenty of twists that keep things interesting.
It took me a little while to get into the book, as the pacing felt slow at the beginning. However, once the secrets and betrayals began to unravel, I found myself fully gripped, eager to uncover the truth alongside the characters.
The dual POV structure between the two main characters worked well, adding depth to the story. That said, it was some of the side characters who really stood out – Lyria, in particular, was a highlight for me.
For a debut novel, the writing style is strong and engaging. However, the world-building felt slightly underdeveloped, and I would have loved more detail to fully immerse myself in the setting. Overall, a good read and I’d definitely pick up book two to see how the story develops.
About the Book
Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola hates her magic. It killed her sister, Olivia, and if she doesn’t learn why, it will kill her too. Her only hope lies within the perilous walls of Gorhail Institute of Magic, where Olivia spent her final days.
There, Viola clashes with Sylas, a poison mage whose magic stems from three magical snakes. Immortal, tormented and reckless, Sylas is tethered to a life he never asked for and haunted by guilt for his father’s death. His hatred for death mages runs deep, and he’s determined to keep Viola at a distance. But when an attack forces him to heal her, their fates become intertwined by a magical bond that threatens to upend his loyalties – and his common sense.
As more students start turning up dead, Viola and Sylas are drawn into an uneasy alliance that pulls them deeper into Gorhail’s treacherous passageways, where secrets fester beneath the stone and the dead do not rest. And as enemy lines begin to blur and their undeniable attraction grows, Viola and Sylas uncover a chilling conspiracy: someone is hunting mages for their magical relics, and if they can’t uncover the killer in time, Viola will be next.
About The Author
Sonia Tagliareni is a fantasy author who’s always looking for the next best cup of tea. The first story she wrote was a murder mystery for French class at thirteen, and rumour has it the murderer outsmarted her but also left her with a deep love of storytelling. Born and raised in Mauritius, she moved to the United States before deciding she prefers to hop around the world. If she’s not glued to her laptop, you can find her dragging her husband and son to high tea.
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box – pre order for the special edition!
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